Women and diabetes: Risk profiling of young working women using Indian Diabetes Risk Score: A study from Northern India

Background: Prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes is 53.1% in India as reported by the International Diabetes Federation in 10th Diabetes Atlas 2021. Diabetes is affecting people of all ages and gender. Very high prevalence of abdominal obesity and large percentage of women in Haryana with elevated body mass index (BMI) make it crucial to screen them for type 2 diabetes. Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) is a proven tool to identify the people at risk of becoming diabetic in future. Early detection and primary prevention are the most effective ways to prevent the rising numbers among women. Objective: This study was conceived to estimate the risk of type 2 diabetes in young working women (25–40 years) using the IDRS tool. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional observational study was followed through with 504 working females in the age bracket 25–40 years. Data were taken down using a structured questionnaire administered through personal interview procedure. Demographics and parameters listed in IDRS such as age, waist circumference, family history of diabetes, and physical activity were itemized in the questionnaire. A purposive random sampling procedure was utilized for getting the numbers. Known cases of diabetes and subjects who refused to sign informed consent were excluded from the survey. Results: About 504 working women completed the survey questionnaire. IDRS scores revealed 18%, 53%, and 29% of the subjects in high-, moderate-, and low-risk brackets, respectively. Waist circumference, sedentary lifestyle, family history, and age were found to be significantly associated with the risk level. Conclusion: The research study brings forward the need for early detection though screening of young women at risk of becoming diabetic in future and necessary steps for primary prevention for the same. It remains imperative to device a comprehensive communication strategy for responsive transitional progression from high risk to absolute healthiness among the young working women.