Prevalence and risk factors of diabetes in a large community-based study in North India: results from a STEPS survey in Punjab, India

Abstract

AimsIndia is the diabetes capital with home to 69.1 million people with DM, the second highest number of cases after China. Recent epidemiological evidence indicates a rising DM epidemic across all classes, both affluent and the poor in India. This article reports on the prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in the North Indian state of Punjab as part of a large household NCD Risk Factor Survey.MethodsA household NCD STEPS survey was done in the state of Punjab, India in a multistage stratified sample of 5127 individuals. All the subjects were administered the WHO STEPS questionnaire, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. Every alternate respondent in the sample (n = 2499) was assayed for blood parameters.ResultsOverall prevalence of DM among the study participants was found out to be 8.3% (95% CI 7.3–9.4%) whereas prevalence of prediabetes was 6.3% (5.4–7.3%). Age group (45–69 years), marital status, hypertension, obesity and family history of DM were found to be the risk factors significantly associated with DM. Out of all persons with DM, only 18% were known case of DM or on treatment, among whom only about one-third had controlled blood glucose status.ConclusionsThe study reported high prevalence of diabetes, especially of undiagnosed cases amongst the adult population, most of whom have uncontrolled blood sugar levels. This indicates the need for systematic screening and awareness program to identify the undiagnosed cases in the community and offer early treatment and regular follow up.

Risk factor assessment and screening for diabetes in field practice area of a private medical college in Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu

“…Our study adds to the limited but growing body of evidence suggesting that diabetes is no longer confined to urban areas of India and is a matter of concern in rural areas as well. 16 In our study increase in age, alcohol intake, family history of diabetes, stress, overweight/obesity and hypertension were found to be associated with diabetes. Many studies have also found a positive association with family history, hypertension and overweight with Diabetes.…”

“…Many studies have also found a positive association with family history, hypertension and overweight with Diabetes. [14][15][16][17][18] More than one third of the people were found to have random blood sugar more than 140 mg/dl indicating high proportion of population at risk of developing diabetes in future if preventive measures including life style modification are not followed.…”

Knowledge, attitude and practice of insulin use and its adverse effects in adult diabetic population

“…This is consistent with the study conducted by Jaya Prasad Tripathy et al, which showed that the prevalence of diabetes is higher among the individuals belonging to the age group ranging from 45 to 69 years. 10 The study showed that the males had a higher incidence of diabetes (54%) than the females (46%). This is consistent with the study conducted by R.M.…”

Complementary and alternative medicine use among type 2 diabetes patients in a tertiary care hospital

“…India will be home to 69.1million people with DM, the second highest number of cases after China and will be aptly described as the capital city of Diabetes. 11,12 This situation mostly encourages the patients to seek alternative therapy mostly in addition to conventional medicines influenced by their socio-cultural beliefs.…”