Researchers identify association between economic disadvantages with diabetes and elevated body weight

Two recently published articles co-led by UTHealth Houston researchers in the Journals of Gerontology. The first article examined the relationship between economic disadvantage during childhood (EDDC) among Mexican adults and elevated body weight and the prevalence of diabetes.  The study revealed that despite successful improvements and interventions in EDDC in Mexico, increases in body weight, leading to increased rates of obesity and diabetes are observed among older adults.   

Co-authored by Rafael Samper-Ternent, MD, PhD, associate professor of management, policy, and community health the team reviewed data from Mexican adults born between 1930 and 1959. The data was split into three cohorts, showing significantly higher rates of diabetes and obesity among the younger two cohorts.   

Cohort Rate of diabetes  

1930-1939 11%  

1940-1949 25%  

1950-1959 26%  

Samper-Ternent, who also serves as adjunct associate professor with the Joan and Stanford Alexander Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine at McGovern Medical School and leads the clinical research and innovations core at the Institute on Aging, suggests that several policies were  developed to improve economic conditions among children in Mexico that may have led to unintended adverse effects. “Policymakers focused resources on improving childhood conditions like education, sanitation, and nutrition, but there is data that suggests that some of these interventions resulted in poor diets and sedentary lifestyles that increased obesity and neutralized the benefits expected from those interventions,” he said.   

As one of the leading public health concerns in the U.S., diabetes is a chronic condition requiring ongoing management and results in severe and complicated long-term conditions. “Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease, three of the leading causes of death in the United States. Diabetes also results in complications such as vision loss, kidney disease, and nerve damage that result in disability. Medications to control diabetes and management of complications pose significant costs to healthcare systems. Because of these factors increasing rates of diabetes pose significant concerns,” said Samper-Ternent.   

The second article included a review of data from more than 26,000 Mexican adults over the age of 50 and focuses on biomarker and genetic data which allowed the team to study diabetes rates and other diseases that impact aging and health. “Biomarker and genetic data combined with extensive longitudinal survey data enhance opportunities for research on aging in a low-middle-income country like Mexico with close ties to the United States,” said Samper-Ternent.  

These analyses highlight the need for a holistic approach to research that considers the complexities of health and behaviors and the unintended consequences of public health interventions. Future policies and interventions should carefully consider outcomes prior to implementation. Additionally, the studies emphasize the need for a life-course approach in research to better understand biological and environmental impacts on health outcomes. “These impacts can be modified through policies that are informed by scientific data,” said Samper-Ternent.