Assessment of Risk of Type 2 Diabetes using Indian Diabetes Risk Score: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Marathwada region of Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the non-communicable diseases which have become a major global health problem whose prevalence is increasing worldwide and will reach to 12.2% (783 million) by 2045. The risk of diabetes escalates with increase in the number of risk factors and their duration as well. The Indian Diabetic Risk Score (IDRS) is a simple, low cost, feasible tool for mass screening programme for diabetes at the community level. Hence the present study was carried out to assess the level of risk of developing type 2 diabetes using IDRS.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out amongst 380 participants aged 20 years and above during the period of July 2018 to June 2019 in the field practice area of Rural Health Training Centre of IIMSR Medical College in Jalna, Maharashtra. A semi-structured interview schedule consisting of socio-demographic characteristics, risk factor profile and Indian Diabetes Risk Score was used. Data was analyzed by using appropriate statistical test whenever necessary.

Results: In our study, 52% are moderately at risk and 2% are at high risk for developing diabetes mellitus. About 62.1% participants belonged to nuclear family, 42.6% had family history of diabetes mellitus, 76.3% carried out moderate physical activity and 50.3% were overweight / obese. Family history of diabetes, lack of physical activity and overweight / obesity were found to be potential risk factors for developing diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion: More than half i.e. 52% of the study subjects were at risk of having diabetes, hence screening is of utmost importance so that interventions can be initiated at an early stage.