Characteristics of study participants at time of diagnosis for the three diabetes groups or at the last clinical examination for the diabetes-free group.

Data are percentages (95% CI) or means (SD). Test of difference in characteristics between groups: chi-square test for categorical variables and t-test for continuous data, respectively.Significantly different.aSignificantly different from stable overweight.bSignificantly different from persistently obese.cSignificantly different from progressive weight gain.