Trends in prevalence and management of diabetes and related vascular risks in Japanese adults: Japan National Health and Nutrition Surveys 2003-2012

Abstract

Aims: To examine temporal changes in health system performance for the control of diabetes and related risks for vascular complications in Japan over a decade.

Methods: Data of 51,128 individuals aged ≥20years were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys in 2003-2012. Diabetes was defined as currently being treated by insulin or oral hypoglycaemic agents or having a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level ≥6.5% (≥48mmol/mol). We estimated the prevalence and proportions of people with diabetes being treated and achieving target goals of HbA1c <7.0% (<53mmol/mol), blood pressure <130/80mmHg, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol <130mg/dL. All estimates were age-standardized using the Japanese population in 2010.

Results: The age-standardized prevalence of diabetes remained constant at approximately 8% and was significantly higher in men (P<0.001) and in individuals age ≥65years (P<0.001) throughout the study period. The proportion of people with diabetes being treated significantly increased from 41.8% (95% confidence interval, 37.2-46.5%) in 2003 to 54.9% (51.9-57.8%) in 2012, and the proportion of those having controlled HbA1c significantly increased from 13.4% (10.3-17.3%) in 2003 to 28.8% (26.3-31.5%) in 2012. These two rates were significantly higher in age ≥65years compared with younger adults in most of the survey years (P<0.05). The control rates of blood pressure and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol remained around 20% and 30-40%, respectively.

Conclusions: Diabetes management in Japan has improved over the past decade but is still inadequate for prevention of vascular complications.

Keywords: Blood pressure; Cholesterol; Diabetes; Epidemiology; Japan.