High Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Other Metabolic Disorders in Rural Central Kerala

Background: Within India, inter-regional disparities in burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are expected because of varying lifestyles and demographic patterns. Hence, to estimate the prevalence of DM and impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG), and to explore the predictors of DM, a study was conducted in rural Kerala.

Methods: In 2007, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1990 adults (women: 1149; men: 841) of two Panchayat Wards in Venmony Panchayat, Chengannur Taluk, Kerala, India. Those who were already on drugs for DM and/or having fasting plasma glucose (FBS) > or = 126 mg/dL were considered as DMs; those with FBS 100 -125 mg/dL were considered as IFGs. Pearson's Chi-Square test and multiple logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.

Results: The response rate was 82.7 percent. The crude- and age-adjusted prevalence of DM was 14.6 percent and 12.5 percent respectively, and that of IFG was 5.1 percent and 4.6 percent respectively. The crude prevalence of hypertension (BP > or = 140/90), hypercholesterolemia (fasting total serum cholesterol > or = 200 mg/dL) and central obesity (WHR > or = 0.80 [women] and > or = 0.90 [men]) was 36.1 percent, 37.0 percent and 85.6 percent respectively. Adjusted for age and sex, DM was significantly associated with positive family history of DM [Odds ratio: 2.81; 95% CI (2.04-3.86)], high socioeconomic status [1.43; (1.04-1.95)], central obesity [3.91; (1.77-8.64)], hypercholesterolemia [1.93; (1.42-2.62)], and hypertension [1.71; (1.24-2.37)].

Conclusion: High prevalence of DM even in rural community validates the pandemic trend of DM. The coexistence of other non-communicable diseases amplifies the burden of DM. The impact of socioeconomic transition on the occurrence of DM needs to be explored further.