Prevalence of diabetes mellitus in rural adults of district Peshawar

ABSTRACT

In Pakistan, approximately 8 million people have diabetes mellitus, making it the fourth leading country in the list of world diabetic patients. To measure the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its associated risk factors in a rural community of Peshawar. A cross-sectional study conducted in PMRC model research community village of Budhni. All adults over the age of 40 years residing in the specific village were selected for the study. During door to door visit, consent was taken from all the subjects and they were informed that a fasting blood sugar level would be checked a day or two later. All those who consented were interviewed according to pre-designed proforma and their height, weight and blood pressure were recorded using standard methods. Fasting blood samples were drawn the next day and sent to PMRC research laboratory where they were checked using Microlab 200 Merck. Data was analyzed using Epi Info version 6.0. According to American Diabetic Association criteria, fasting blood sugar level of >126 mg/dl was diagnosed. Estimated population of adults > 40 years in the village is 1249 individuals. Nine hundred nine [72.7%] consented to participate in the study. A total of 345 subjects were screened for diabetes using fasting blood sugar as the proxy indicator. Eighty one [23.4%] had blood sugar over 126 mg/dl and were therefore, diagnosed to be diabetic. Of these 81 cases 46[56.8%] were known diabetics while, 35[43.2%] were newly diagnosed. Majority [39] were between 51-60 years, followed by 29 between 40-50 years and remaining 13 subjects were above 60 years of age. Among the 46 known diabetics, 42[91.3%] were non insulin dependent and only 4[8.7%] were insulin dependent. The duration of diabetes was between 1-5 years in 26[57%] cases who were known diabetic's. Those individuals who were not sure about their exact duration of diabetes were 9[19%]. Cases with a family history of diabetes, were at twice more risk to develop diabetes as compared to those who had no family history [OR=1.86 [1.05association of diabetes with high systolic and diastolic blood pressure was highly significant [OR=2.52[1.45Obesity also showed significant association with diabetics [p< 0.02], while waist hip ratio did not show any association with diabetes in both genders. The prevalence of diabetes in a rural community of Peshawar was very high [23.4%] and needs to be addressed through special sessions on health with the community. Intermarriages should be discouraged and adherence to healthy life styles should be stressed through media all over Pakistan