Risk Assessment of Diabetes Using the Indian Diabetes Risk Score: A Study on Young Medical Students from Northern India

CONTEXT: Identification of risk factors of diabetes is required among youth as diabetes in young persons is now spreading in epidemic proportions. Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) is a validated and cost- effective tool to identify risk of diabetes among population. AIMS: Present study was conducted among young medical students to assess risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using the IDRS and to study association of risk of diabetes with other factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 290 first grade medical students from July 2017 to December 2017. A semi-structured interview schedule was developed for data collection. Written informed consent was taken. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. ‘P’ < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 290 medical students were included in the study. IDRS categorization revealed 77%, 22% and 1% students in low-, moderate- and high-risk category, respectively. Statistically significant association of moderate-high diabetes risk with male gender, positive family history of diabetes, no/mild physical activity and body mass index (BMI) ≥23 kg/m(2) was seen. CONCLUSION: Present study findings has brought forth that large number (23%) of young medical students were in moderate-high risk category of developing T2DM and health professionals should be more vigilant in young obese males with minimal physical activity and positive family history of disease. Hence, there is a pressing need for bringing out behaviour change communication among young medical students so that risk reduction strategies and lifestyle changes can be implemented in early years of their lives.