Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Its Associated Risk Factors in Age Group of 20 Years and Above in Kashmir, India

Objective: Objective of our study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors for diabetes mellitus in the age group of 20 years and above in one of the semi-urban areas of Kashmir. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in Hazratbal, an administrative block of central Kashmir. A total of 1040 subjects (500 males and 540 females) aged � 20 years were screened for Diabetes Mellitus. Body mass index, waist to hip ratio, personal history and family history were recorded at baseline through pretested questionnaire. After an overweight fast, blood samples were drawn for determination of fasting plasma glucose. In the case fasting plasma glucose � 126mg/dL, a second determination was performed one week later. Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was based on the American Diabetes Association criteria 2004. The statistical analysis of the data was performed by using statistical package SPSS version 10.0. Results: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 6.05%, with known diabetes mellitus being 4.03% of the study population and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus being 2.02% subjects. Significant difference was detected between males and females (3.6% vs 8.3%, p 60 years 16.66%, P 25 Kg/m 2 ) was 36.82 % more so central obesity, & family history were significantly associated with the presence of diabetes mellitus, p<0.001. Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is showing a rising trend in Kashmir valley, life style changes and aggressive control of the risk factors are urgently needed to tame this trend.