India is termed “The Diabetic capital of the world” as it is projected to have more diabetic patients than any other country in the world by 2025. The dramatic rise in the prevalence of diabetes and related disorders is due to rapid changes in life style. WHO has urged all countries to conduct regular epidemiological surveys to assess the prevalence and risk factors of diabetes. Within India, inter-regional disparities in burden of diabetes are due to varying lifestyles and demographic patterns. Since there is paucity of data on diabetes in rural India, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors of diabetes among adults in rural Kerala, where a community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken among 454 resident adults aged 30 years and above, during December 2012 to 2013. The study subjects were randomly selected via a house-to-house survey after obtaining their informed verbal consent. Data was collected via an interview using a pre-designed pre-tested questionnaire on socio-demography, personal history, family history of diabetes, habits and lifestyle. Anthropometric measurements were recorded and the data was analysed by Chi-square tests and p-value. In this study, the overall prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus was 18.7%. The significant risk factors associated with diabetes were age, family history of diabetes and sedentary lifestyle. The prevalence of type 2 Diabetes mellitus among adults in rural Thrissur is high (18.7%) in this study. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes is higher among older persons, those with family history of diabetes and those who are sedentary. Lifestyle modification is important to prevent and control diabetes.

Keywords: Diabetes, Prevalence, Risk factors, Adults, Thrissur, Kerala

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Dr Catherine Simon

Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine,

Azeezia Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kollam, Kerala 691537

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