ASSESSMENT OF THE PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN RURAL AREAS OF PESHAWAR, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Abstract

BACKGROUND: WHO ranks Pakistan 7th on Diabetes mellitus prevalence list in 2008; therefore diabetes posing threat to economy and quality of life of people due to poor glycemic Control and high rates of complications. The objective of present study was therefore to assess the prevalence and risk factors of diabetes in elected areas of Peshawar.
METHODS: In this cross sectional study, data was collected from 700 people of Palosi Tehkal bala using questionnaire and random blood sugar tests by glucometer. Diabetes status was defined by already diagnosed diabetic and Random Blood Sugar value higher than 200mg/dl. Data was analyzed for diabetes prevalence. Chi square and Odds ratio were used to find its association with age, obesity, monthly income, hypertension, family history, Gender, tobacco use and exercise.
RESULTS: 105 out of 700 people were diagnosed with diabetes. This is 15% of the total respondents. Association of diabetes was found with age, family history, obesity and hypertension. Out of the total respondents, 15.7% males and 14.1% females were found diabetic.
CONCLUSION:Diabetes prevalence rate is high and is highly affected by increasing age, hypertension, family history, and obesity.
KEYWORDS: Diabetes, Prevalence, Risk factors