Burden of Diabetes in Rural Indiaand Its Association with Social Anddietary Factors

Background: Diabetes is a major public health challenge in the present phase of socio-demographic and epidemiological transition leading to various complications causing high mortality and morbidity. Diabetes is often not diagnosed in early phase especially in rural areas. This study was carried out to observe changing trends, prevalence of diabetes and its association with major risk factors in rural community.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was carried out among 700 individuals (306 men and 394 women) aged 18-65 years living in villages under rural field practice area of Dr. Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, Chinaoutpally, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh. Information on socio-demographic data, dietary habits and life style was obtained. Height, weight,blood pressure and capillary blood glucose were measured.Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetes is about 22.6% of the study subjects of whom 11.9% are known and 10.7% are newly diagnosed. The prevalence of Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate even in rural population and nearly half of them aren’t aware of their diabetes status. Diabetes when detected early can prevent lot of complications and improve the quality of life of the individual.