Prevalence and predictors of diabetes and cardiometabolic risk among construction workers in Ireland: The Construction Workers Health Trust screening study

Abstract

Construction workers (CW) are at increased risk for a range of chronic diseases. We screened 983 CW for diabetes and cardiometabolic risk. The age range was 18-64 years, with mean age of 36.3 years. Self-reported questionnaires, Finnish diabetes risk score and fasting blood tests were collected at the workplace. The unadjusted prevalence of pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus were 3.6% and 1.2%, respectively; 21% of CW had the metabolic syndrome (MetS). The majority were either overweight (48.3%) or obese (21.8%). In a regression model, age remained the strongest predictor of fasting glucose (p < 0.001). Pre-diabetes and diabetes mellitus were significantly associated with presence of the MetS [odds ratio (OR) 5.6; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.8-11.5, p < 0.001 and OR 5.5; 95% CI: 1.6-18.7, p = 0.006, respectively]. Subjects engaged in greater physical activity outside of work had lower body mass index (26.9 vs. 28.8 kg/m(2), p = 0.03), waist circumference (95.8 vs. 98.1 cm, p = 0.03) and fasting serum triglycerides (1.1 vs. 1.4 mmol/L, p = 0.03) compared to those who were sedentary. Despite their youth and a physically demanding occupation, CW are at risk of cardiometabolic diseases. This risk increases with age and the MetS. Screening tools may be useful to identify those who are at risk.

Prevalence of Undiagnosed Cardiovascular Risk Factors and 10-Year CVD Risk in Male Steel Industry Workers

“…However, the findings of our study are consistent with previous research investigating the prevalence of cardio-metabolic risk factors in a male cohort of construction workers in Ireland (13). Here, the groups were divided in two age groups (<40 years and ≥40 years).…”

The metabolic syndrome among Danish seafarers

“…To our knowledge, MS has never been studied in representative samples of seafarers, but recently 51% of seafarers in 2 Danish shipping companies were defined as having MS [19]. Studies of occupational groups such as construction workers [20], policemen [21] and law enforcement personnel [22] have demonstrated high rates of MS from 21% to 26.7%. Comparisons between MS in occupational groups suggested transport workers to be in particular risk [23].…”

Cardiorespiratory fitness is a stronger indicator of cardiometabolic risk factors and risk prediction than self-reported physical activity levels

“…8 However, emerging research has highlighted a substantial prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors in males employed within the industrial sector, [9][10][11] in occupations typically perceived to be 'physically active'.…”