title: Predicting prediabetes in a rural community: a survey among the Karen ethnic community, Thasongyang, Thailand.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Diabetes is a growing epidemic in both urban and rural communities worldwide.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to survey fasting plasma glucose (FPG) status and awareness of diabetes in the rural Karen ethnic community. We investigated the predictors of impaired fasting plasma glucose (IFG) status, which would be easily applicable for prevention of diabetes in a rural community.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted at Thasongyang, the most north-western district in Thailand. A total of 299 Karen ethnic rural residents were included in the study. FPG, body mass index, and waist circumference were prospectively measured. We assessed the awareness of diabetes and lifestyle-related health behavior with closed questionnaires in a rural community setting.
  
  
  RESULTS
  On screening for FPG, 16.72% of the Karen ethnic residents had hyperglycemia: 3.68% in the diabetic range and 13.04% in the prediabetic range respectively. After adjustment for age, sex, and BMI, waist circumference (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-9.57), and having a diabetic blood relative (aOR 4.6, CI 1.81-11.71) are significant predictors of IFG status.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is necessary to promote awareness of diabetes among the Karen ethnic community. Application of simple evidence-based predictors of the prediabetic state may lead to timely and effective prevention of diabetes in rural settings.
authors.affiliation: Boromarajonani College of Nursing Nakhon Lampang (BCNLP), Lampang, Thailand.
authors.forename: Thaworn
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lorga
authors.forename: Myo Nyein
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Aung
authors.forename: Prissana
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Naunboonruang
authors.forename: Payom
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Thinuan
authors.forename: Nara
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Praipaksin
authors.forename: Tida
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Deesakul
authors.forename: Utumporn
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Inwan
authors.forename: Tawatchai
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yingtaweesak
authors.forename: Pratumpan
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Manokulanan
authors.forename: Srisomporn
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Suangkaew
authors.forename: Apiradee
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Payaprom