RESUMO
To compare the risk factors for diabetes in children of two different socioeconomic status. A cross-sectional analytical study. Visits to one government [low income] and two private [middle income] schools of Karachi in 1999 and 2000. Patients and A total of 260 children; 157 children [mean age 12.10 +/- 4 years] from low-income group and 103 children [mean age 10.6 +/- 0.9 years] from middle-income group were surveyed. Data of physical fitness score [PFS] and BMI was calculated. Dietary records were taken by 24 hours self-reported diet recall charts of two weekdays. Knowledge about health was obtained by a questionnaire given to children and mothers. A significant difference was found in the mean age of low-income and middle-income groups [p-value < 0.001]. Significant association was seen in low-income group compared to middle-income group on the basis of TV viewing [p-value = 0.04]. BMI [p-value = 0.011] and positive family history of diabetes [p-value < 0.001]. Forty-seven percent [n=74] of children from low-income group while 51% [n=53] of middle-income group had poor knowledge about health. The children in both the groups also consumed inadequate amount of calories, the diet being poor in fruit, vegetables and milk and high in the fat content. Although children in both the groups had increased risk factors for diabetes the difference between the two socioeconomic groups was significant in terms of middle-income children having more risk. Thus, changes in lifestyle and behaviour including diet is needed in this high risk group to prevent future generations from developing diabetes