Diabetes prevalence and risk factors of early-onset adult diabetes: results from the Indonesian family life survey.

backgroundDiabetes is increasing rapidly in South-East Asia. Studies have reported typical risk factors associated with all-age adult diabetes and highlighted the roles of economic transition and childhood development factors in diabetes in later life. However, little is known about whether these factors were associated with young adult diabetes risk.

objectivesThe study has two main aims: (1) estimate diabetes prevalence among adult participants of the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS), and (2) identify childhood development factors associated with early-onset adult diabetes (diagnosed between age 20 and 40) in Indonesia.

methodsData were taken from adults participating in 4

resultsA total of 34,767 participants were included in the study. Crude total prevalence estimate from self-report was 2,3% and increased with age. Including HbA1c measurements yielded nearly eight times higher prevalence estimates, depending on age. The proportion of yet undiagnosed cases is considerably higher in young age groups. Regression analyses showed that urban childhood residence and high education increased early-onset diabetes risk by 50-70%. Sex, childhood general health, socio-economic level and starvation exposure were not associated with early-onset diabetes risk.

conclusionRemarkable differences between diabetes prevalence rates based on self-report and HbA1c measurement indicated the need for better diagnosis, especially in young adults. Urban childhood residence and high education increased early-onset adult diabetes risk. Incorporating these factors and diabetes awareness in existing child health programs, together with screening of individuals at risk, could improve early diabetes detection and prevention strategies among young urban Indonesian adults.