Prevalence Of Type II Diabetes Mellitus And Assessment Of Risk Factors Along With The Health Seeking Behaviour Of Diabetics In Slums Of Delhi

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

India has earned the dubious distinction of being the ‘diabetes capital of the world’.  As cited by the International Diabetes Federation, the diabetics in India are expected to rise from 40.9million to 69.9million by 2025 unless urgent preventive steps are taken³. The slum population seems to be at greater risk of developing diabetes therefore we have undertaken this study to ascertain the prevalence of type II diabetes and its risk amongst the slum population of Delhi and to assess their health seeking behaviour.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

A cross sectional study was carried out in urban slums with 1000 participants aged 18 years and above. A pre-designed, pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was administered to subjects after a written informed consent. Status of type II diabetes mellitus was based on available health records. Indian diabetes risk score (IDRS) was used to assess individuals at risk of developing diabetes. Data was analyzed using SPSS v16.0. ‘p-value’ less than 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS:

The interim data of 349 participants (53.9% males, 46.1% females) is being presented. Prevalence of diabetes was 6.0% (5.9% amongst males, 6.2% amongst females)(p>0.05), higher in age ≥50 years (20.5%) (p<0.001), sedentary workers (16.7%)(p=0.001), IDRS score >50 (18.5%)(p<0.001). Education, per-capita income, waist-hip ratio, family history did not have significant relationship with risk of DM. General symptoms reported were giddiness (47.6%), thirst (57.1%), frequent urination (85.7%), weight loss (28.6%), infections (14.6%). 2 out of 21 diabetics did not take medication and 2 were on insulin.

CONCLUSIONS:

The prevalence of type II DM was 6%, with increased risk among individuals aged 50 years or more, sedentary workers and IDRS score ≥50. There is a need to promote healthy lifestyle focusing on regular exercise and balanced diet.