A Delphi Study to Establish an Expert Consensus Opinion on Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes, and Potential Complications of Diabetes, Including Brain Health Associations

Abstract

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has a multifactorial aetiology, and wide-ranging potential health complications, including brain health associations.

Objectives

A number of diabetes risk factors and complications have a strong evidence base. This study will address ambiguity in the literature regarding others.

Aims

Results will inform development of a questionnaire for use among the public and individuals with diabetes, assessing knowledge of diabetes and brain health associations and the role of modifiable risk factors. Aiming to ultimately inform effective preventative strategies for both dementia and depression.

Methods

A systematic literature review preceded this two-round modified Delphi study. Respondents rated their agreement with risk factors for T2DM, and potential complications of diabetes on an e-questionnaire.

Results

Of 46 international experts invited to participate in round-one; 14 responded (30.4%). Thirteen respondents (92.9%) completed round-two questionnaire. Consensus was pre-defined as 70% or more agreement between respondents on questionnaire items. On completion, 11/18 risk factor items for T2DM met consensus criteria however ‘depression’ did not. Of diabetes complication items, 13/16 met consensus criteria (see Table 1).

Conclusions

Study results indicate that international experts consider a number of brain health complications to be associated with diabetes. Results will be incorporated in a diabetes and brain health knowledge questionnaire for use among vulnerable populations.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Table 1 A sample of diabetes complications post round-two of Delphi.