Assessment of Diabetes Risk Using Indian Diabetic Risk Score and Its Associated Factors among Young Adults in Rural Area of Central Kerala.

BACKGROUND

In India, an estimated 77 million people above the age of 18 years suffer from diabetes (type 2), and nearly 25 million are prediabetic. More than 50% of people are unaware of their diabetic status that leads to health complications if not detected and treated early. The objective of this study was to assess the risk of diabetes among young adults using the Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the field area of a tertiary care hospital. The study included adults age group 20-40 years and excluded those unable to comprehend, bedridden patients, and those already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Sample size was 205. Data were collected using the IDRS scorecard and a pretested questionnaire. A house-to-house survey was conducted to collect data.

RESULTS

There were 205 study participants, of whom 99 (48.2%) were female and 106 (51.8%) were male. The mean age of the study population was 27.6 ± 5.74 years. Most of the study participants (97 [47.3%]) belongs to 20-25 years age group. According to the IDRS scoring, low risk was found in 95 (46.3%), medium risk in 40 (19.5%), and high risk in 70 (34.2%) study subjects.

CONCLUSION

According to the total IDRS score, 46.3% of the study population was at low risk, 19.5% at moderate risk, and 34.2% at high risk. This study proves that there is a dire need for lifestyle changes for a better future. The population should be encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle.