Study of prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the rural areas of Hubballi, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background: India is largely a rural nation. The prevalence of diabetes in the rural areas is increasing. The prevalence data is mainly available for urban areas and insufficient data is available for rural areas.  Aims and objectives: To estimate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in rural areas of Hubli taluk, Karnataka, India and also to assess the risk factors associated.

Methods: One village was selected randomly in the taluk. Information was gathered on demographics, personal history, past history, family history of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, life style practices and other parameters pertinent to the study objectives. Blood pressure was recorded and anthropometric data was collected. FBS was recorded and WHO criteria was used for diagnosis.   

Results: 15.6% are known diabetic and 84.4% were non diabetic. According to IDRS risk scores, 6.4% subjects belonged to low risk category, 34.9% belonged to medium risk category and 58.7% belonged to high risk category. 11% of people were under weight, 40.4% were normal, 22% were overweight, 22.9% were pre obese and 3.7% are obese. 77.1% of people have normal FBS values, 8.3% had impaired glucose tolerance and 14.7% had impaired fasting glucose. There was significant difference in the mean FBS values (p=0.0001) and mean IDRS risk score (p=0.031) of Normal subjects, Pre-diabetics and Diabetics on ANOVA test.

Conclusions: The total prevalence of Diabetes in the study was 22%. There was significant relationship between the family history of Diabetes among diabetics and non-diabetics (p=0.036).