Abstract:
The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of
prediabetes and diabetes mellitus among adults aged 20-69 years residing in
Kopay Divisional Secretariat (DS) division of Jaffna district and to identify
the associated risk factors. A total of 395 subjects aged 20-69 years were
included in this study from 14 Grama servaga divisions of Kopay DS division.
Height, weight and blood pressure measurements and overnight fasting
blood samples were obtained from all subjects. Clinical data, details about
lifestyle, socio demographic and socio economic factors were obtained using
an interviewer administered questionnaire. A fasting blood glucose level of
100 to 125 mg/dl was considered as prediabetic condition. Those who have
more than 125 mg/dl fasting blood glucose levels were considered as
diabetics. Of the 420 subjects invited, only 395 were responded (94%). Of
the total number of subjects, 33.9% were males. The overall prevalence of
prediabetes was 12.91% (n=51). The prevalence of prediabetes in males
(17.9%) was greater than in females (10.34%) (p<0.05). The occurrence of
prediabetes was found to increase linearly with aged after 40 years. High
blood pressure, lowered HDL cholesterol and hypertriglyceredemia were
found in 23.5, 76.5 and 35.3% of the prediabetic population respectively. The
percentage of overweight and obesity was 47.1% and elevated waist
circumference was 39.2% of the prediabetic subjects. The overall prevalence
of diabetes was 9.3% (n=37). Diabetes was almost equally distributed among
males (8.2%) and females (9.9%) (p<0.05). Metabolic syndrome (unified
criteria) was found in 70.3% of the diabetic subjects, reflecting its ability to
act as a predictor of diabetes. High blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol and
hypertriglyceredemia were found in 24.3, 94.6 and 35.1% of the diabetic
population respectively. The percentage of overweight and obesity was
64.8% and elevated waist circumference was 54.1% of the diabetic subjects.
Of all diabetic subjects 45.9% were previously undiagnosed. Metabolic
syndrome was present in 32.2% (n=127) of general population. Among them
20.5% were diabetics, while 22% were prediabetics (p<0.05). Prevalence of
prediabetes and metabolic syndrome was considerably high in this
population. Lower than desirable level of HDL cholesterol is the most risk
factor in this population. Preventive measures to reduce the future risks of
diabetes should be promoted.
