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

Abstract Background The study of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in a developing country like Thailand has rarely conducted in long-term cohort, especially in 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 SIH study was designed as a longitudinal cohort and conducted at Siriraj hospital, Thailand. A total 5,011 participants (77% Female) were recruited and follow-up. Physical examinations, blood biochemical, family history, behavior 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 men were more likely to have prevalence to T2DM and dyslipidemia (DLP) more than woman. Obese were significantly increased with prediabetes and T2DM (P < 0.001). Additionally, aging, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and DLP were associated with the development of prediabetes and T2DM. The minor T allele of the rs7903146(C/T) and rs4506565 (A/T) was associated with high risk of development of T2DM with an odds ratio of 2.74 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32–23.3) and 2.71 (95% CI: 0.32–23.07), respectively; however, they were statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). Conclusion The SIH study's findings 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.