Prevalence and Predictors of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Rural Community of Haryana, India

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a pressing global health concern contributing substantially to morbidity and premature mortality. In India, this burden is steadily rising in rural communities which are undergoing rapid epidemiological transition. Aims & Objectives: To determine the prevalence of diabetes and to identify the associated socio-demographic, behavioural and biological risk factors in a rural community of Haryana. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 adults aged 30-70 years residing in Mankrola village, Gurugram. Participants were selected through systematic random sampling. Data was collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire comprising of socio-demographic profile, anthropometric and clinical assessments, random blood glucose estimation and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the independent predictors. Results: The prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes was found to be 12.7% and 17.3% respectively. Rates were higher among females (14.2%) than males (10.3%) and increased progressively with age. Significant predictors included upper middle socioeconomic status (AOR = 3.009, p = 0.036), overweight (AOR 4.35; p=0.044), physical inactivity (AOR 5.50; p=0.003), high oil/fat intake (AOR 7.85; p<0.001) and inadequate vegetable consumption (AOR 4.17; p=0.005). Mean perceived stress scores were high (18.57 + 3.93) among diabetics although not statistically significant (AOR 1.16; p> 0.05) Conclusion: Diabetes and pre-diabetes are considerably prevalent in rural Haryana driven largely by modifiable risk factors. Strengthening community-based prevention, early detection and lifestyle modifications are imperative to mitigate the rural diabetes epidemic.