Metabolic and genetic risk factors associated with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes in Thai healthcare employees: A long-term study from the Siriraj Health (SIH) cohort study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303085
• Publication Date: 2024-06-28T18:23:46Z
• Authors: Pichanun Mongkols...; Apinya Surawit; Thamonwan Manosan; Suphawan Ophakas; Sophida Suta; Bonggochpass Pins...; Tanyaporn Pongkun...; Sureeporn Pumeiam; Winai Ratanasuwan; Mayuree Homsanit; Keerati Charoench...; Yuthana Udomphorn; Bhoom Suktitipat; Korapat Mayurasakorn
• Keywords: Male; Adult; Metabolic Syndrome; Health Personnel; Southeast Asian People; Middle Aged; Thailand; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Prediabetic State; Cohort Studies; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Risk Factors; Prevalence; Humans; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Longitudinal Studies; Research Article

Background The study of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in a developing country like Thailand has rarely been conducted in long-term cohorts, especially among the working-age population. We aim to assess the prevalence and incidence of risk factors and their associations underlying NCDs, especially type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among healthcare workers enrolled in the Siriraj Health (SIH) study cohort.

Methods The SIH study was designed as a longitudinal cohort and conducted at Siriraj hospital, Thailand. A total of 5,011 participants (77% women) were recruited and follow-up. Physical examinations, blood biochemical analyses, family history assessments, behavior evaluations, and genetics factors were assessed.

Results The average age was 35.44±8.24 years and 51% of participants were overweight and obese. We observed that men were more likely to have a prevalence of T2DM and dyslipidemia (DLP) compared to women. Aging was significantly associated with pre-diabetes and T2DM (P<0.001). Additionally, aging, metabolic syndrome, and elevated triglycerides were associated with the development of pre-diabetes and T2DM. The minor T allele of the rs7903146(C/T) and rs4506565 (A/T) were associated with a high risk of developing pre-diabetes with odds ratios of 2.74 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32–23.3) and 2.71 (95% CI: 0.32–23.07), respectively; however, these associations were statistically insignificant (P>0.05).

Conclusion The findings of the SIH study provide a comprehensive understanding of the health status, risk factors, and genetic factors related to T2DM in a specific working population and highlight areas for further research and intervention to address the growing burden of T2DM and NCDs.