Gender Dissimilarity in Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors: a Chinese Study

Abstract

Background: Gender has been identified as a significant factor that contributes to variations on unhealthy behavior engagement and disparity in health outcomes; however, gender dissimilarity in type 2 diabetes-related behavioral risks has not been fully understood in a non-Western social setting.

Purposes: Recognizing gender-specific behavioral risks of type 2 diabetes is important in improving the disease associated health outcomes and healthcare service. This study identifies gender-specific behavioral factors associated with type 2 diabetes diagnoses among middle-aged and older adults in a Chinese context.

Methods: Data are selected from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) 2009. There are 259 male cases and 280 female cases individually matched with their nondiabetic controls on age.

Results: Higher level of total carbohydrate intake and physical inactivity is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes diagnoses in both genders (p < .001). Odds ratios of type 2 diabetes diagnoses are higher only among male cigarette smokers and heavy alcohol drinkers.

Conclusions: This study provides evidence regarding gender-specific behavioral risks of type 2 diabetes suggesting the need for improving type 2 diabetes related research, prevention, education, and healthcare services for middle-aged and older adults in China.

Keywords: Behavioral risks; Case–control design; Gender; Middle-aged and older Chinese; Type 2 diabetes.