Fig. 1

Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the development of diabetes according to blood pressure categories. Abbreviations: BP, blood pressure; CI, confidence interval; HR, hazard ratio; IR, incidence rate. Adjusted variables were age, sex, body mass index (< 25 kg/m² or ≥ 25 kg/m²), dyslipidemia (absence or presence), smoking status (never, current, quit), alcohol consumption (non-, moderate, heavy), physical activity (0, 1–59, ≥ 60 min/week), family history of diabetes, and fasting plasma glucose level. Dyslipidemia was defined as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol  < 1.03 mmol/l and/or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol cholesterol ≥ 3.62 mmol/l and/or triglycerides ≥ 1.69 mmol/l. The area of the square was proportional to the number of cases in each category. Incidence rates were per 1000 person years. ^*P < 0.05