Associations Between Food Insecurity and Prediabetes in a Representative Sample of U.S. Adults (NHANES 2005-2014)

Aims: The primary aim of this research was to investigate the association between food insecurity and prediabetes and to identify specific subgroups for early clinical intervention.

Methods: Cross-sectional data from 25,814 participants were analyzed from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for years 2005-2014. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the association between food security status and laboratory-confirmed prediabetes. All models were adjusted for age, sex, race, and body mass index.

Results: When compared to participants with full and marginal food security, participants with low/very food security were 1.35 (95% CI: 1.17-1.55) times more likely to have prediabetes. Younger individuals with low/very low food security had a greater likelihood of prediabetes, 1.50 (95% CI: 1.19-1.81), when compared with their food secure counterparts.

Conclusions: Food insecurity at any level, whether low or very low, is positively associated with prediabetes in the U.S. general adult population. Food insecure young adults, particularly those aged 20-34 years, should be targeted for early clinical intervention.