ABSTRACT

Diabetes is a major chronic disease with increasing prevalence among older adults, and fasting glucose management is crucial for preventing complications. This study examined the association between thiamine intake and fasting blood glucose, focusing on gender differences, in older adults with diabetes. Data were drawn from the 9th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2023) including 472 adults aged ≥55 years with diabetes. Thiamine intake was assessed by the 24-hour dietary recall, and fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL was defined as high risk. χ² tests, t-tests, and logistic regression analyses were conducted. In men, those consuming <1 mg of thiamine had a significantly higher risk of elevated fasting glucose than those consuming 1~2 mg (Model 2: OR=2.13, p<.01; Model 3: OR=2.55, p<.01). No significant associations were observed in women (p>.05). Low thiamine intake was significantly associated with elevated fasting glucose in older men with diabetes, suggesting the need for gender-specific nutritional strategies for glycemic control.