Risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus among urban slum population using Indian Diabetes Risk Score

Diabetes has emerged as a major health challenge in India due to a rapid rise in the number of diabetes cases. Early identification of high risk individuals through screening and early interventions in the form of lifestyle modifications and treatment would help in the prevention of diabetes and its complications. This study was done to assess the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in an urban slum population using the Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) and to determine the factors associated with high risk score.

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the urban slum population in North Telangana, India. A total of 136 study participants were selected randomly from the records. A pre-designed and pre-tested structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Assessment of risk of T2DM was done using the IDRS.

Of the 136 study participants, 101 (74.3%) were at high risk (IDRS ≥60) followed by 32 (23.5%) at moderate risk (IDRS 30-50) and three (2.2%) at low risk (IDRS <30). Sixty two (92.5%) individuals in the age group ≥50 yr were at high risk compared to 34 (63%) in 35-49 yr age group. Most (n=35, 87.5%) of sedentary workers were at high risk compared to those employed in moderate (n=52, 75.4%) and strenuous work (n=14, 51.9%).

Nearly three-fourth (74.3%) of the study participants were at a high risk of developing T2DM. Age, type of occupation, abdominal obesity, general obesity and high blood pressure were the factors significantly associated with high risk IDRS score.