Analysis of Dietary and Lifestyle Factors Associated with Prediabetes among Middle-Aged Women: Using Data from the 9th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2022-2023)

Mi Hyun Kim^*

Department of Food and Development, Kyungil University, Gyeongsan, Korea

Abstract

This study examined the dietary and lifestyle factors associated with prediabetes among middle-aged Korean women. Data from the 9th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. The subjects were 2,562 women aged 40-64 years, classified into a prediabetes group (n=892) and a normal group (n=1,670) based on the criteria of the Korean Diabetes Association. Women with prediabetes were older, less educated, and more likely to be smokers and postmenopausal. They had higher body weight, waist circumference, body mass index, body fat, and one-year weight gain, as well as elevated triglycerides, fasting glucose, HbA1c, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and blood pressure, with lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. They consumed more sodium but less sugar, vitamin C, and fruit, while eating more meat. Regression showed that monounsaturated fatty acid intake reduced prediabetes risk (OR 0.74, 95% CI: 0.587-0.919), whereas sodium (OR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.059-1.713) increased risk. Moderate fruit intake was found to have a protective effect. The prediabetes group had a higher eating-out frequency and lower awareness and use of nutrition labeling. Therefore, aerobic exercise, weight loss, sodium reduction, moderate fruit intake, monounsaturated fat consumption, and a better understanding and use of nutrition labels may help prevent prediabetes in middle-aged women.