Background This study aimed to investigate the recent prevalence, management, and comorbidities of diabetes among Korean adults aged ≥30 years by analyzing nationally representative data. Methods This study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2016 to 2018, and the percentage and total number of people ≥30 years of age with diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were estimated. Results In 2018, 13.8% of Korean adults aged ≥30 years had diabetes, and adults aged ≥65 years showed a prevalence rate of 28%. The prevalence of IFG was 26.9% in adults aged ≥30 years. From 2016 to 2018, 35% of the subjects with diabetes were not aware of their condition. Regarding comorbidities, 53.2% and 61.3% were obese and hypertensive, respectively, and 72% had hypercholesterolemia as defined by low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥100 mg/dL in people with diabetes. Of the subjects with diabetes, 43.7% had both hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. With regard to glycemic control, only 28.3% reached the target level of <6.5%. Moreover, only 11.5% of subjects with diabetes met all three targets of glycosylated hemoglobin, blood pressure, and LDL-C. The percentage of energy intake from carbohydrates was higher in diabetes patients than in those without diabetes, while that from protein and fat was lower in subjects with diabetes. Conclusion The high prevalence and low control rate of diabetes and its comorbidities in Korean adults were confirmed. More stringent efforts are needed to improve the comprehensive management of diabetes to reduce diabetes-related morbidity and mortality.

BackgroundThis report presents the recent prevalence and comorbidities related to diabetes in Korea by analyzing the nationally representative data.MethodsUsing data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 2013 to 2014, the percentages and the total number of subjects over the age of 30 years with diabetes and prediabetes were estimated and applied to the National Population Census in 2014. Diagnosis of diabetes was based on fasting plasma glucose (≥126 mg/dL), current taking of antidiabetic medication, history of previous diabetes, or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥6.5%. Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) was defined by fasting plasma glucose in the range of 100 to 125 mg/dL among those without diabetes.ResultsAbout 4.8 million (13.7%) Korean adults (≥30 years old) had diabetes, and about 8.3 million (24.8%) Korean adults had IFG. However, 29.3% of the subjects with diabetes are not aware of their condition. Of the subjects with diabetes, 48.6% and 54.7% were obese and hypertensive, respectively, and 31.6% had hypercholesterolemia. Although most subjects with diabetes (89.1%) were under medical treatment, and mostly being treated with oral hypoglycemic agents (80.2%), 10.8% have remained untreated. With respect to overall glycemic control, 43.5% reached the target of HbA1c <7%, whereas 23.3% reached the target when the standard was set to HbA1c <6.5%, according to the Korean Diabetes Association guideline.ConclusionDiabetes is a major public health threat in Korea, but a significant proportion of adults were not controlling their illness. We need comprehensive approaches to overcome the upcoming diabetes-related disease burden in Korea.

Qualitative research methodology has become more recognized and valued in diabetes behavioral research in recent years. Qualitative research is very rare in Korea, especially for diabetes; on the other hand, qualitative research is increasing abroad. This paper reviews qualitative research on the life experiences of diabetes patients in Korea. Drawing on advanced research, it is helpful to know the essence of such experiences and the exact phenomena diabetes patients face as revealed in their own voices. Also, understanding of and interest in the subjective experiences of diabetes patients will inform the development of new intervention methods.

Diabetic patients must exert continuous self-management in areas such as diet, exercise, and medications to control blood sugar. However, such habits are greatly influenced by lifestyle; socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental conditions; as well as individual will. In vulnerable groups, the prevalence of diabetes is higher than in non-vulnerable groups, and difficulties in diabetes management are more common. Health is impacted by age; gender; genetics; lifestyle; social and community networks; living and working conditions; and socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental conditions. Among these various factors, five ‘social determinants of health’ highly affect the health management of diabetic patients: socioeconomic status, physical environment (housing environment, transportation), food insecurity, family and social support, and health literacy. It is important address these social determinants of health, starting with identification of individualized social needs of patients. Efforts should be made to improve quality of life through use of community resources and to further contribute to alleviating health inequality.

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