The impact of regional deprivation and individual socio‐economic status on the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in Germany. A pooled analysis of five population‐based studies

Abstract

Regional deprivation plays a significant part in the explanation of diabetes prevalence in Germany independently of individual socio-economic status. The results of the present study could help to target public health measures in deprived regions.

Regional differences in the incidence of self-reported type 2 diabetes in Germany: results from five population-based studies in Germany (DIAB-CORE Consortium)

“…Differences in health and health-related behaviour are probably related to differences in the distribution of education, unemployment, income and private property among the federal states, cities or municipalities 8. The educational level demonstrated an association with the time to onset of T2DM 23 24. Both individual socioeconomic status (measured by educational level and equivalent income) as well as regional deprivation were associated with the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity in Germany 23.…”

Higher Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Impaired Glucose Tolerance Among the Rural Population in Bulgaria

“…Socio-economic difficulties are associated with a deterioraton in the health care conditions, a decrease in the life expectancy and an increased morbidity [3]. The socio-economic background affects the health of the individual subject both depending on his/her financial situation and through the health care system's will to execute effective screening programs for early detection and prevention of chronic disorders.…”

“…That observation might reflect the healthier lifestyle among the highly educated groups in the developed countries and the lower physical activity and overindulging with highcalorie nutrition among the rich in the developing countries [8,9]. Some authors have reported that the social group is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, similarly to obesity, low physical activity and smoking [3]. Last but not least, the personal socio-economic status seems just as important -residence in a poorer area with high unemployment rate and poor infrastructure is associated with a higher risk of diabetes.…”

“…Some other potential factors that might contribute to the regional differences in diabetes prevalence have been identified recently. Examples of such factors associated with insulin resistance and diabetes include air pollution, high noise levels, the lack of recreation and sports areas and the variations in health care [3,10]. Some individual characteristics are important as well: smoking, alcohol abuse, and a sedentary lifestyle.…”

Regional inequalities in self-reported conditions and non-communicable diseases in European countries: Findings from the European Social Survey (2014) special module on the social determinants of health

“…For 270 example, research conducted in Germany, Finland and the UK has highlighted how distinct regional 271 differences in diabetes prevalence are evident [18][19][20] , potentially attributable to underlying structural 272 deprivation operating at the contextual regional level, as well as compositional variables related to the 273 socio-economic status or ethnic composition of the population living in these areas 18,21 . However, there 274 are some differences in the results described here with more detailed analysis conducted within individual 275 countries.…”