Type 2 diabetes mellitus and its determinants among adults in an urban area of Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a modern day epidemic of epic proportions, affecting all strata of the society. The prevalence is becoming alarmingly high among younger age groups. The impact of this disease on physical, mental, social and economic wellbeing is huge and therefore warrants early detection and prevention. Aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and determinants of T2DM among the adult population in an urban area.Methods: This cross sectional descriptive study was done in Anakaputhur, an urban area in Kancheepuram district. Based on 10.4% prevalence of T2DM, reported by the ICMR-INDIAB data (2011), the sample size was calculated to be 1680. Data was collected by convenient sampling method using a structured questionnaire from among the adult population. Fasting and postprandial plasma blood glucose was estimated. Data was analyzed using SPSS ver.16 software.Results: Mean age of the participants was 44.2 years. Females constituted 51.1% and 19.4% were known hypertensives, 10.9% were smokers and 55.3% were overweight/obese. The prevalence of T2DM was found to be 21.2%. Around 20% of affected individuals were belonging to <45 years of age. Overweight and obesity were significantly associated with occurrence of diabetes mellitus.Conclusions: This study has shown a high prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus. The associated determinants are found to be high and changing. This indicates that diabetes is resulting in an epidemiological and genetic transition of a disease of susceptibility. This necessitates the need for strategies for increasing the awareness, broad based screening, focused treatment and follow up.