Factors that could explain the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes among adults in a Canadian province: a critical review and analysis

Abstract

BackgroundThe prevalence of diabetes has increased since the last decade in New Brunswick. Identifying factors contributing to the increase in diabetes prevalence will help inform an action plan to manage the condition. The objective was to describe factors that could explain the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes in New Brunswick since 2001.MethodsA critical literature review was conducted to identify factors potentially responsible for an increase in prevalence of diabetes. Data from various sources were obtained to draw a repeated cross-sectional (2001–2014) description of these factors concurrently with changes in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in New Brunswick. Linear regressions, Poisson regressions and Cochran Armitage analysis were used to describe relationships between these factors and time.ResultsFactors identified in the review were summarized in five categories: individual-level risk factors, environmental risk factors, evolution of the disease, detection effect and global changes. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has increased by 120% between 2001 and 2014. The prevalence of obesity, hypertension, prediabetes, alcohol consumption, immigration and urbanization increased during the study period and the consumption of fruits and vegetables decreased which could represent potential factors of the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Physical activity, smoking, socioeconomic status and education did not present trends that could explain the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes. During the study period, the mortality rate and the conversion rate from prediabetes to diabetes decreased and the incidence rate increased. Suggestion of a detection effect was also present as the number of people tested increased while the HbA1c and the age at detection decreased. Period and birth cohort effect were also noted through a rise in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes across all age groups, but greater increases were observed among the younger cohorts.ConclusionsThis study presents a comprehensive overview of factors potentially responsible for population level changes in prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Recent increases in type 2 diabetes in New Brunswick may be attributable to a combination of some individual-level and environmental risk factors, the detection effect, the evolution of the disease and global changes.

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Pharmacotherapy

“…1 This rise will be accompanied by an increase in the prevalence of the complications of diabetes. 2 DPN is the most common cause of neuropathy worldwide, and is estimated to affect around half of people with diabetes. 3,4 It causes considerable morbidity, impairs quality of life, and increases mortality.…”

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Epidemiology, Physiopathology, Diagnosis and Treatment

“…1 This rise will be accompanied by an increase in the prevalence of the complications of diabetes. 2 Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common cause of neuropathy worldwide, and is estimated to affect around half of people with diabetes. 3,4 It causes considerable morbidity, impairs quality of life, and increases mortality.…”

Thioctic Acid and Vitamin B Complex Improves Clinical Sings in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

“…The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) identified a 425 million global diabetes prevalence worldwide in 2017, predicting 628 million people for 2045 [4,5]. Increasing prevalence of diabetes in general population across the globe will also be accompanied by an increased number of complications of this particular disease [23].…”

“…Increasing prevalence of diabetes in general population across the globe will also be accompanied by an increased number of complications of this particular disease [23]. Diabetic neuropathy is the most common cause of neuropathy worldwide and it is estimated to affect about half of the people with diabetes [5][6][7].…”