Using data from 14,043 adults with prediabetes enrolled in a primary health organisation in the upper North Island of New Zealand, these researchers examined the incidence of type 2 diabetes and sought to determine those factors that protect against this progression. After their first diagnosis of prediabetes (HbA1c ranging from 5.9–6.6% [41–49 mmol/mol]) between 2009 and 2017, the study participants were followed-up for type 2 diabetes incidence. The cumulative incidence of diabetes was 5.0% after 3 years. In Cox regression analyses adjusted for potential confounding, rates of progression were faster in younger adults, men, people with higher HbA1c, greater BMI and in those who were diagnosed more recently. Progression was slower among those treated with metformin and among those speaking te reo (New Zealand’s Indigenous language). Higher HbA1c at baseline was associated with higher progression rates for Māori and Pasifika.
