Screening of Diabetes Mellitus and its Risk Factors in a Rural Population-A Cross Sectional Study

The disease has been recognized as a global epidemic by WHO. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the number of people globally with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) will increase to 552 million by 2030, over twice the number in 2000. Nearly 21% of these new cases will be from India, which has the highest number of cases in any country.

A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in somthana village that is a field practice area of Indian Institute of Medical Science& Research, Badnapur, Jalna, Maharashtra. As WHO has given theme for WHO day 7^th April 2016 as “Beat Diabetes”, as a part of WHO day 2016 celebration a Diabetes Screening camp was organized at somthana villagevillage on 7^th April 2016. Blood sugar level of all participants in camp above 30 years and who were willing to participate was taken for the study.

Prevalence of IGT and diabetes (combined) was 60% in 61–70 yrs age group followed by 36% in 51–60 years, 35% in 41–50 years and 27% in 30–40 years. Prevalence of diabetes is 7.9% in males where as 3.8% in females. Prevalence of IGT is more among Muslims i.e. 31.8% than Hindus i.e. 25.6%. Prevalence of IGT and diabetes is 53.1% and 16.3% respectively in subjects with sedentary life style and difference was statistically significant among sedentary and non-sedentary subjects. There is significant difference in prevalence of IGT and Diabetes among persons with higher BMI (p=0.001). Also there is significant difference in normotensives and hypertensive as prevalence of IGT and diabetes is considered (p=0.039).

The present study found positive association between stress, sedentary lifestyle, family history of diabetes, and hypertension with abnormal glucose tolerance. Primary prevention is possible by modifying the environmental factors influencing diabetogenesis such as obesity, diet and physical activity.