Risk factors of type-2 diabetes mellitus in rural Wardha: A community based study

Context: The rise in diabetes mellitus (DM) portends a disaster of major proportion worldwide.

Aim: To study the determinants of type-2 DM in people who are >/=45 years of age by selective screening methodology in rural area of Wardha district.

Settings and design: A cross-sectional study in a rural area of Wardha district.

Methodology: A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted among those who are at risk of developing DM, as per the WHO guidelines on Laboratory Diagnosis and monitoring of Diabetes Mellitus 2002. Blood glucose estimation was done using a blood glucose meter.

Statistical analysis used: Multiple Logistic Regression.

Results: Eight point four nine percent of the 306 persons above the age of 45 years were diabetic. This study also revealed that the proportion of people diagnosed with DM increases with increasing age groups. Mean fasting and post meal blood glucose level (in mg%) among the study participants (nondiabetics) were 83.6 +/- 1.6 and 129.9 +/- 1.9 and mean fasting and post meal blood glucose level among diabetics were 138.8 +/- 2.1 and 220.7 +/- 1.9, respectively. The difference between the post meal blood glucose level among the diabetics and nondiabetics was statistically significant. The proportion of diabetics was more among those who had family history of diabetes (8.6%), BMI more than 25 (24.1%) and those with sedentary lifestyle (10.4%).

Conclusions: Implementation of preventive measures to reduce the burden of diabetes is needed. Identification of the environmental factors adversely related to glucose intolerance helps evolve preventive strategies.