Trends, Social Determinants, and Lifestyle Factors Associated With Comorbidity of Diabetes and Kidney Diseases Among Chinese Adults Aged ≥ 45 Years

Objectives

The dual burden of diabetes and kidney disease poses a growing public health challenge in aging populations, yet its longitudinal trends and modifiable determinants in China remain understudied. This study aims to track the trends in the prevalence of the comorbidity of diabetes and kidney disease in Chinese middle-aged and older adults over a 10-year period (2011–2020) and identify social determinants and lifestyle factors associated with this comorbidity.

Methods

This study utilized data from five waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Temporal trends and geographical distributions of the comorbidity of diabetes and kidney diseases were analyzed across survey years; disaggregated by sex, residence, and geographical region. Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to explore the associations between SDOH burden, lifestyle factors, and the risk of comorbidity.

Results

The prevalence of diabetes and kidney disease comorbidity exhibited a clear upward trend among Chinese adults aged ≥ 45 years, increasing from 0.60% in 2011 to 3.10% in 2020. Geographical analysis revealed significant regional disparities, with Northeast China having the highest prevalence throughout the decade (4.76% in 2020). High SDOH burden was associated with an increased risk of comorbidity (HR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.01–1.52). Conversely, maintaining a good (HR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.27–0.54) or moderate (HR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.59–0.91) lifestyle was associated with a reduced risk.

Conclusion

The rising prevalence and significant regional disparities of diabetes and kidney disease comorbidity underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions in China.