Lipids and glycemia profiles in adults: Italian Health Examination Survey 2023-2025 - CUORE Project

Background

Glycemic and lipid assessment in the population is recommended by the WHO as well as to halt the rise of diabetes (DM) within 2030 (2010 as baseline). In Italy, a new Health Examination Survey (HES) started in 2023, promoted and financed by the Ministry of Health – CCM and the European Commission through JACARDI.

Methods

In the period 2023-2025 fasting serum glycemia and total cholesterolemia were assessed by a central lab in random samples of residents in 18 Regions (out of 20 regions) distributed in North, Centre and South of Italy (up to now, 1835 men, 1852 women aged 35-74 years). DM: glycemia ≥126 mg/dl and/or on medication. Elevated total cholesterol: total cholesterol ≥240 mg/dl. European standard age-sex distribution was used.

Results

DM was 9% (95% confidence interval: 6-11%) in men and 7% (4-9%) in women, and glycemia mean level was 98 mg/dl (96-100 mg/dl) and 91 mg/dl (90-93 mg/dl) respectively. Among those with elevated glycemia the following were unaware/aware but not in treatment: men - 33/17% aged 35-44 years, 67/7% 45-54 years, 56/4% 55-64 years, 32/2% 65-74 years; women - 0/33%, 25/0%, 20/7%, 30/15%. Elevated total cholesterol and/or on medication (HChol) prevalence was 25% in men (21-29%) and 27% in women (23-31%). Total cholesterol mean level was 194 mg/dl (191-198 mg/dl) in men and 201 mg/dl (198-204 mg/dl) in women. Among those with elevated total cholesterol the following were unaware/aware but not in treatment by age classes: men - 37/57%, 41/52%, 33/60%, 29/53% 65-74 years; women - 73/27%, 49/44%, 34/59%, 24/65%.

Conclusions

Comparing 2023-2025 preliminary data with 2008 ones, a significant decrease of glycemia, total cholesterol mean values and HChol occurred; a decreasing trend for DM was found. Improvements on their awareness and control are still necessary. Prevalence of unaware persons with DM and HChol supports the WHO recommendation to monitor targets by periodic survey based on measured data - HESs.

Key messages

• Significant improvements in glycemic and lipid profiles occurred compared to 15 years ago in the Italian adult general population.

• Glycemic and lipid profiles awareness and control need improvements and support the WHO recommendation to monitor targets by periodic health examination surveys.