Association between Hypertension and Hyperglycemic States among Northeastern Thais
Praew Kotruchin MD1, Chatlert Pongchaiyakul MD2
Affiliation : 1 Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 2 Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : The coexistence of hypertension [HT] and hyperglycemic states is becoming a major health problem in
developing countries. However, there are not sufficient data on the prevalence and the association between HT and impaired
fasting glucose [IFG]/diabetes [DM] among rural Thais.
Objective : The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of IFG and DM and the association between HT and IFG/
DM.
Materials and Methods : This cross-sectional study was conducted at a health-check up clinic of Srinagarind Hospital, Khon
Kaen, Thailand. Blood pressure and fasting plasma glucose measurements were done in all subjects. Frequencies of HT, IFG
and DM were calculated, and the differences in characteristics between men and women, HT and non-HT individuals were
tested. Logistic regression model was used to determine the association between HT and IFG/DM.
Results : A total of 4,247 Thai participants, the prevalence of HT was 25.8%. The prevalence of IFG and DM was found
higher in men than in women (15.1% vs. 8.4% for IFG and 7.5% vs. 3.7% for DM in men and women, respectively). Men
and women with HT had an increased risk of IFG (odds ratio [OR] 1.77, 95% CI: 1.34, 2.34 for men and OR 3.14, 95% CI:
2.35, 4.19 for women) and DM (OR 1.78, 95% CI: 1.23, 2.57 for men and OR 3.94, 95% CI: 2.60, 5.98 for women). After
adjustment for age and body mass index, the risks of IFG were unchanged in both hypertensive men and women, but the risk
for DM was associated with HT in women (OR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.21, 3.03) but not in men (OR 1.26, 95% CI: 0.86, 1.86).
Conclusion : Hyperglycemic states including IFG and DM are common among hypertensive rural Thais. Routine assessment
for glucose metabolism abnormalities are recommended for patients with hypertension, in order to aid in early detection and
treatment.
Keywords : Diabetes; Hypertension; Impaired fasting glucose
