The Risk Factors of Diabetes Among Older Adults Aged Fifty Years and Over in China: Findings from the World Health Organization Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE)

Background: Increasing numbers of older adults develop diabetes, which is predicted to become more common. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with diabetes among older adults aged fifty years and over. Methods: the World Health Organization Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE) Wave 1 data in China were used. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression were used in statistical analysis. Results: This study shows that age, falls, smoking, BMI, and income quintile had significantly associated with higher diabetes prevalence. In contrast, older adults from rural areas with sufficient fruit and vegetable intake had a lower diabetes prevalence in this study. Surprisingly, older adults with lower vision, stroke, hypertension, and angina were at lower risk of diabetes. Conclusion: public health programs should target older adults aged over sixty and individuals in higher-income quintiles, who have fallen, are smoking, overweight, and obese. That may help to provide the necessary support to bridge diabetes-related inequities. In the meantime, promoting sufficient fruit and vegetable intake might reduce diabetes among older adults aged fifty years and over in China.