Prevalence of diabetes mellitus amongst rural hilly population of North Eastern India and its relationship with associated risk factors and related co-morbidities

CONTEXT: Diabetes has emerged as pandemic health problem and its prevalence is increasing at an alarming rate. AIMS: The aim of the following study was carried out to understand the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, its associated risk factors and related co-morbidities amongst persons residing in rural hilly terrain of Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Population based cross-sectional study on 1370 participants in the field practice area of a private Nursing School in Yingkion in Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India was conducted during April 2009-March, 2010. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinico-social data related to diabetes was gathered by personal interview. Body weight, height, waist circumference and blood pressure were measured and blood glucose was estimated in fasting venous blood samples. RESULTS: Diabetes mellitus was observed among 19.78% of the participants with additional 12.04% patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Diabetes mellitus was most prevalent among 50-59 years age group (32.10%). Hypertension was observed among participants with diabetes and IGT was 65.13% (hypertensive diabetics) and 53.94% (diabetics only). Mean body mass index and associated family history was added risk factors in prevalence of diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Effective primary prevention strategies are to be intensified among the high-risk population groups to promote awareness through behavior change communication.