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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Type 2 Diabetes | Research

Type 2 diabetes in the employed population: do rates and trends differ among nine occupational sectors? An analysis using German health insurance claims data

Authors: Batoul Safieddine, Julia Grasshoff, Siegfried Geyer, Stefanie Sperlich, Jelena Epping, Johannes Beller

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Socioeconomic inequalities in type 2 diabetes (T2D) are well established in the literature. However, within the background of changing work contexts associated with digitalization and its effect on lifestyle and sedentary behavior, little is known on T2D prevalence and trends among different occupational groups. This study aims to examine occupational sector differences in T2D prevalence and trends thereof between 2012 and 2019.

Methods

The study was done on 1.683.644 employed individuals using data from the German statutory health insurance provider in Lower Saxony, the “Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse Niedersachsen” (AOKN). Predicted probabilities for T2D prevalence in four two-year periods between 2012 and 2019 were estimated based on logistic regression analyses for nine occupational sectors. Prevalence ratios were calculated to illustrate the effect of time period on the prevalence of T2D among the nine occupational sectors. Analyses were stratified by gender and two age groups.

Results

Results showed differences among occupational sectors in the predicted probabilities for T2D. The occupational sectors “Transport, logistics, protection and security” and “Health sector, social work, teaching & education” had the highest predicted probabilities, while those working in the sector “Agriculture” had by far the lowest predicted probabilities for T2D. Over all, there appeared to be a rising trend in T2D prevalence among younger employed individuals, with gender differences among occupational sectors.

Conclusion

The study displayed different vulnerability levels among occupational sectors with respect to T2D prevalence overall and for its rising trend among the younger age group. Specific occupations within the vulnerable sectors need to be focused upon in further research to define specific target groups to which T2D prevention interventions should be tailored.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Type 2 diabetes in the employed population: do rates and trends differ among nine occupational sectors? An analysis using German health insurance claims data
Authors
Batoul Safieddine
Julia Grasshoff
Siegfried Geyer
Stefanie Sperlich
Jelena Epping
Johannes Beller
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Type 2 Diabetes
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18705-5

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