Abnormal Glucose Tolerance & Associated Risk Factors in Urban Areas of Northern India: A Community based Cross Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION:  Diabetes Mellitus is undoubtedly one of the most challenging health problems for India in the 21st century. According to Diabetes Atlas published by International Diabetes Federation, there were an estimated 40 million persons with diabetes in India in 2007 and this number is predicted to rise to almost 70 million people by 2025. This study examines the individual (diatary pattern, physical activity, substance abuse, stress level) and family level (history of diabetes, awareness about diabetes) risk factors with pre-diabetic and diabetic conditions in urban areas of a most populated northern state i.e., Uttar Pradesh of India.

METHODS: The study is limited to about 700 male & female individuals in the age-group of 20-65 years. Pregnant women and known diabetic patients at time of interview were excluded from the analysis. Multiple logistic regression analyses have been carried out to assess the relative contribution of independent variables on pre-diabetic and diabetic conditions.

RESULTS: In the study 11.9 and 6.6 per cent individuals were in pre-diabetic and diabetic phases respectively. About one-third of the sampled individuals had no knowledge about the cause of diabetes. The results indicate that Individual and family level variables are strongly associated with the likelihood of having pre-diabetic condition and diabetes among individuals. The likelihood of pre-diabetic condition was higher for individuals having positive family history (either mother/father or both having diabetes) and suffering with diabetes if either any of his/her siblings were also suffering from diabetes. The individuals taking irregular diet, eating tobacco, having very low physical activity, obese (BMI> 25) and leading stressful life were other important variables strongly associated with pre-diabetic and diabetic conditions.  

CONCLUSIONS: Although diabetes action has been initiated in India, the efforts are needed to educate the individuals about diabetes risk factors, prevention, and complications using clear and simple messages.