Incidence and Predictors of Type 2 Diabetes among Professional and Office Workers in Bangkok, Thailand
Wiroj Jiamjarasrangsi MD, PhD*, Wichai Aekplakorn MD, PhD**
Affiliation : * Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University ** Community Medicine center, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University
Objectives : To determine the incidence rates of type 2 diabetes and associated factors among professional and
office workers in Bangkok.
Materials and Methods : Data on fasting glucose measurements and physical examination were obtained from
a cohort of 6,924 workers in 43 establishments in Bangkok during 1999-2003. Impaired fasting glucose and
diabetes were defined according to the American Diabetes Association criteria. The type 2 diabetes incidence
rates were calculated based on the person-time of follow-up period.
Results : A total of 136 individuals developed type 2 diabetes during 11,581 person-years (py) of follow-up.
The incidence rates of type 2 diabetes in individuals aged 35-60 years was 11.4 per 1000 py Men had a higher
incidence rate than women (17.8 vs 9.2 per 1,000 py). The incidence rates increased with age. Factors
associated with development of diabetes included baseline fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level, overweight
and obesity status. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR, 95%CI) for FPG of 93-99 mg/dl and 100-125 mg/dl
were 3.2 [1.1-9.9] and 31.5 [11.4-86.8] respectively, compared to those with FPG < 93 mg/dl. The IRRs for
those with BMI of 23-27.5 and > 27.5 kg/m2 were 1.5 [0.9-2.5] and 2.7 [1.6-4.5] respectively, compared to
those with BMI < 23 kg/m2.
Conclusion : Findings from the present study could serve as the first marking post for estimating the risk and
magnitude of type 2 diabetes in other adult populations in Thailand.
Keywords : Type 2 diabetes, Incidence rate, Risk factor
