Trends of Diabetes in Beijing, China

Trends of Diabetes in Beijing, China

The global rise in diabetes prevalence is a pressing public health concern, and Beijing, as one of China’s most economically advanced cities, is no exception. This study aimed to analyze the trends in diabetes prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control among adults in Beijing from 2005 to 2022. The findings reveal significant increases in diabetes prevalence, particularly among young adults and rural residents, while also highlighting concerning declines in awareness and treatment rates.

The study utilized data from the Beijing Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance (BCDRFS), which conducted a series of representative cross-sectional surveys targeting adults aged 18–79 years in Beijing. A total of 111,943 participants were included in the analysis, with data collected through face-to-face questionnaires, body measurements, and laboratory tests. The prevalence estimates were age- and gender-standardized based on the 2020 Beijing census population.

Between 2005 and 2022, the total prevalence of diabetes among Beijing adults increased from 9.6% to 13.9%, with an annual percentage rate change (APC) of 2.1%. The most significant increases were observed among adults aged 18–39 years and rural residents. Undiagnosed diabetes prevalence rose from 3.5% to 7.2%, with an APC of 4.1%. The proportion of undiagnosed diabetes within total diabetes increased from 37.0% to 51.8%, indicating a growing number of individuals unaware of their condition.

The rise in diabetes prevalence was evident across all demographic subgroups. Among men and women, diabetes prevalence increased annually by 2.8% and 1.1%, respectively. The steepest increases were seen in younger age groups, with adults aged 18–29 years experiencing an APC of 9.3%. Rural residents witnessed a yearly increase of 4.0% in diabetes prevalence, compared to a 0.8% increase in urban areas. Overweight and obese individuals also showed significant increases in diabetes prevalence, with APCs of 1.3% and 1.4%, respectively.

Despite the rising prevalence, diabetes awareness and treatment rates exhibited significant declines. The awareness rate decreased from 63.0% in 2005 to 48.2% in 2022, with an APC of -1.4%. Treatment rates declined from 61.0% to 45.4%, with an APC of -1.3%. The decline in treatment rates was particularly pronounced among men, individuals aged 18–59 years, urban residents, and overweight individuals. Among diagnosed diabetics, the treatment rate remained high at 96.9% in 2005 and 94.3% in 2022, indicating that the decline in overall treatment rates was primarily due to the increase in undiagnosed cases.

Diabetes control rates among treated diabetics showed no significant improvement, remaining low at 21.5% in 2005 and 19.1% in 2022. The control rate among diagnosed diabetics was 33.8% in 2005 and 39.1% in 2022, with no significant change over time. This suggests that while treatment rates among diagnosed diabetics remained stable, the overall control rates did not improve, highlighting the need for more effective management strategies.

The study identified several risk factors associated with diabetes. Being male, elderly, overweight, or obese were all significantly associated with higher diabetes prevalence. Overweight and obese individuals had odds ratios (ORs) of 1.65 and 2.48, respectively, compared to those with normal weight. Elderly individuals aged 60–79 years had an OR of 7.45 compared to those aged 18–29 years. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions for high-risk populations.

The findings of this study have significant implications for diabetes prevention and control in Beijing. The continuous increase in diabetes prevalence, particularly among young adults and rural residents, highlights the need for urgent public health interventions. The decline in awareness and treatment rates, coupled with stagnant control rates, suggests that current efforts to manage diabetes are insufficient. Regular blood glucose testing, especially among adults aged 18–59 years, should be prioritized to facilitate early detection and intervention.

The study also highlights the need for targeted management strategies for high-risk populations, including men, the elderly, and those who are overweight or obese. Strengthening healthy lifestyle interventions and health education targeting these groups could help mitigate the risk of developing diabetes. Additionally, expanding health education initiatives to raise awareness about diabetes and its complications is crucial for improving overall diabetes management.

The escalation of diabetes prevalence in Beijing from 2005 to 2022, particularly among young adults and rural residents, underscores a pressing public health concern. Alarmingly, despite concerted efforts, both diabetes awareness and treatment rates have exhibited significant declines, with stagnant improvements observed in diabetes control rates. To address these challenges, there is a critical need to intensify regular blood glucose testing, especially among adults aged 18–59 years, to facilitate early detection and intervention. Moreover, demographic factors such as being male, elderly, overweight, or obese have emerged as significant risk factors for diabetes, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions and preventive measures. Efforts to develop effective diabetes management strategies are imperative to curtail the burgeoning diabetes epidemic in Beijing. The implications of this study are substantial, providing crucial insights for the formulation of comprehensive diabetes prevention and control policies in Beijing. By leveraging these findings, policymakers can prioritize initiatives aimed at promoting the implementation of Healthy Beijing and fostering a healthier future for all residents.

doi.org/10.1097/CM9.0000000000003207

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