Prediabetes Progression and Reversion: Social Factors and Racial/Ethnic Differences

Racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by diabetes. Social characteristics, such as family structure, social support, and loneliness, may contribute to these health disparities. In a nationally representative sample of diverse older adults, we evaluated longitudinal rates of both progression from prediabetes to diabetes and reversion from prediabetes to normoglycemia. Using the longitudinal Health and Retirement Study (2006–2014), our sample included 2625 follow-up intervals with a prediabetes baseline (provided by 2229 individuals). We analyzed 4-year progression and reversion rates using HbA1c and reported presence or absence of physician-diagnosed diabetes. We utilized chi-square and logistic regression models to determine how race/ethnicity and social variables influenced progression or reversion controlling for comorbidities and demographics. Overall, progression to diabetes was less common than reversion (17