Abstract :
Background &Aims: The worldwide prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has risen dramatically in the
developing countries over the past two decades. Diabetes Mellitus is emerging as a major health-care
challenge for India. So the aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus among
the adult population > 30 years of age and to assess the risk factors of Diabetes Mellitus. Materials and
Method: This was a population-based cross-sectional study carried out in the urban field practice area of
tertiary care medical teaching institute in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Simple random sampling technique was
used for the selection of 1900 adults, 30 years of age and above. Main outcome measures were the
assessment of the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and correlates of Diabetes Mellitus. A Predesigned and
pretested questionnaire was used to elicit the information on family and individual socio-demographic
variables. Height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, blood pressure were measured and
venous blood was also collected to measure fasting and postprandial blood glucose. Results:Overall the
prevalence of DM was 20.0% with known DM being 6.2% of study population and undiagnosed DM
being 13.8% subjects. Significant association was seen between prevalence of DM and age, Obesity and
Hypertension. Conclusion: It was observed that every 5TH study subject is having Diabetes Mellitus.
Adults with age >40 years, Obesity and Hypertension, belonging to middle/ high class are more likely to
develop Diabetes Mellitus. Also family history of Diabetes & sedentary lifestyle were seen as risk factors.
Keyword :
Diabetes Mellitus, Fasting glucose level, Obesity, Hypertension.