Characteristics of men classified at high-risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus using the AUSDRISK screening tool

Abstract

Aims: The primary aim was to describe characteristics of men identified at high-risk for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using the Australian diabetes risk assessment (AUSDRISK) tool. Secondary aims were to determine the prevalence of pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome in these men.

Methods: Men (n=209) completed the AUSDRISK tool, with 165 identified as high-risk for T2DM (score ≥ 12, maximum 38). Demographic, anthropometric, physiological and behavioural outcomes were assessed for 101 men. Comparisons (one-way ANOVA) among three AUSDRISK score groups (12-15, 16-19, ≥ 20) were performed (significance level, P<0.05).

Results: Common risk factors (percentages) among high-risk men were waist circumference (>90 cm; 93%), age (>44 years; 79%), physical activity level (< 150 min wk(-1); 59%), family history of diabetes (39%) and previously high blood glucose levels (32%). Men with AUSDRISK scores ≥ 20 had higher (mean ± SD) HbA1C (6.0 ± 0.4% [42 ± 4.4 mmol.mol(-1)], P<0.001), FPG (5.3 ± 0.6 mmol.L(-1), P=0.001) and waist circumference (113.2 ± 9.8 cm, P=0.026) than men with scores of 12-15. Mean FPG for the sample was 5.0 ± 0.6 mmol.L(-1), whereas mean HbA1C was 5.8 ± 0.5% [40 ± 5.5 mmol.mol(-1)]. Pre-diabetes prevalence was 70% and metabolic syndrome prevalence was 62%.

Conclusions: The AUSDRISK tool identified men who were mostly older than 44, and had large waist circumferences and elevated HbA1C. These findings provide evidence supporting the usefulness of the AUSDRISK screening tool for T2DM screening in clinical and research settings.

Keywords: Fasting plasma glucose; HbA(1C); Prevention; Screening; Type 2 diabetes mellitus.