T2DM Risk Factors: A Population Based Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Area of Northwest India

Introduction: The largest numbers of diabetic patients are present in our India. Research in diabetes has largely focussed on estimating the burden of disease. However identifying the risk factors is also important. The current study was undertaken with the aim to determine the risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus among rural population (30 yrs and above) of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Material and Methods: A two stage design was used for assessment of risk factors. The first stage involved a questionnaire based assessment for risk factors and second stage involved taking blood samples for fasting plasma glucose. Results: A total of 170 adults out of 2085 submitted to investigation were found to be diabetic giving us a crude prevalence of 8.1%. Body Mass index (BMI), diet and physical activity seems to be strong predictors for diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: Identifying the risk factors for Diabetes mellitus is the key in planning prevention strategies