Korean J Fam Pract.  2023 Sep;13(3):179-186. 10.21215/kjfp.2023.13.3.179.

Association between Prediabetes and Meal Patterns Related to Meal Sharing among Korean Young Adults: Eighth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2019–2020

• Kim S
• Kim S
• Kim Y
• Seo S
• Chung YJ
• Kim SC

• KMID: 2546235
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21215/kjfp.2023.13.3.179

Abstract

Background
The prevalence of diabetes among young adults is on the rise, and lifestyle modifications during the pre-diabetic stage have proven highly effective in preventing the progression of diabetes. Given the strong association between dietary habits and diabetes, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of communal eating and meal companionship on fasting glucose levels and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).
Methods
This study was based on data from the Eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), 2019–2020. The analysis included 2,306 young Korean adults aged 19 to 39 who have at least 2 or more meals a day, 3 or more times a week.
Results
Compared to the group eating alone 0 times a day, the risk of impaired fasting blood glucose was 0.47 times (odds ratio, 0.470; 95% confidence interval, 0.309–0.717) lower in the group eating alone 2 to 3 times a day, but there was no significant difference in HbA1c.
Conclusion
Among young Korean adults, the risk of impaired fasting blood glucose was significantly lower in the group who ate alone 2–3 times a day compared to the group who mainly shared meals.

Keyword

Meals; Blood Glucose; Prediabetic State; Glycated Hemoglobin