Diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, daily life activities, food and beverage consumption among Buddhist monks in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand

Diabetes (DM), and its associated complications, presents a major health problem for the Thai people, including Buddhist monks. This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of DM and impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and factors associated with DM, among a cohort of Buddhist monks in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand. A total of 415 Buddhist monks aged 35 years and over were randomly sampled and interviewed. A fasting capillary whole blood specimen was collected for glucose measurement. The prevalence of DM was 10.8 %, with 2.8 % treated DM, and 8.0 % screened DM. The prevalence of IFG was 11.8 %, 51.8 % of Buddhist monks reported maintaining the temple and its surroundings, and 50.1 % doing physical exercise for least 30 min and 4 days/week in the past 7 days. The 3 types of food that the Buddhist monks ate most frequently (at least 4 days/week) were chili paste (66.5 %), curry with coconut milk, such as chicken curry (60.7 %), and deep-fried foods, such as fish, chicken, and pork (53.3 %). About 44.3 % ate Thai sweets and desserts and 24.5 % drank aerated drinks at least 4 days/week. The prevalence of DM and IFG among the Buddhist monks was quite high. DM screening needs to be conducted regularly for early detection and treatment. Continued effective lifestyle modification interventions, including increased physical activity and correct diet, are recommended.