Risk Profiling and Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a District-Level Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: India has emerged as the diabetes capital of the world, a trend largely attributed to rapid industrialization and urbanisation, which have contributed to significant lifestyle changes and an epidemiological transition.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among people of Gandhinagar District. To identify and analyse the sociodemographic and lifestyle-related risk factors associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the district population.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 600 participants selected from each of the four talukas of Gandhinagar, ensuring representation of both rural and urban populations through probability-proportional-to-size sampling. Data were collected using a pretested and predesigned proforma. Information on sociodemographic and behavioural factors, family history, and physical measurements was obtained. Random blood sugar (RBS) levels were measured for all participants; individuals with RBS >200 mg/dL underwent HbA1c testing. Data were analyzed using Excel 2019 and SPSS v27.

Results: The prevalence of T2DM was 10.66% (64/600), with 37.5% (24/64) being newly diagnosed. Significant associations were observed with increasing age, reduced physical activity, smoking, and obesity (p<0.05). Insignificant associations were found with gender, socioeconomic status, alcohol consumption, family history of diabetes, or frequency of eating meals outside the home. The highest prevalence was noted in the 46–55 years age group. Dehgam taluka exhibited the highest proportion of undiagnosed cases, which may be attributed to its predominantly rural population.

Conclusion: High prevalence of modifiable risk factors, targeted primary prevention strategies are essential to curb the rising burden of T2DM in the region.