A quantile regression approach to identify risk factors for high blood glucose levels among Bangladeshi individuals

Abstract

Background and AimsDiabetes mellitus, characterized by high blood glucose, is an overwhelming public health concern globally, including in Bangladesh. The implication of this trend may pose a significant challenge to the health systems due to the lack of awareness and improper management of this chronic disease. To formulate strategies for public health planning, this study aims to explore the potential risk factors for elevated blood glucose levels among Bangladeshi individuals using advanced statistical methods and a nationally representative data set.MethodsThis study utilized data from the 2017−18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey and included 11,863 individuals. A nonparametric Kruskal−Wallis test assessed the significant association between fasting plasma glucose levels and various risk factors. Additionally, a robust quantile regression model was applied to examine the net effects of each risk factor at different quantiles of the distribution.ResultsThe prevalence of diabetes is 8.1% among individuals in the study population, with variations observed across different administrative divisions in the country. Respondents from the Dhaka division respondents had a higher likelihood (24.1%) of having elevated plasma glucose and the Rangpur division had a lower risk (10.3%) of developing diabetes disease. This study identified several potential risk factors associated with elevated blood glucose levels, including hypertensive disease, overweight and obese body mass index, higher economic status, reduced physical activities, and older age, significantly contributing to develop diabetes mellitus.ConclusionThis study recommends promoting healthy lifestyles, increased physical activity, effective hypertension management, obesity reduction, and nationwide screening programs to control diabetes and noncommunicable diseases in Bangladesh. These preventive measures are crucial for reducing the existing prevalence of diabetes and working toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.