Overweight/obesity, pre-diabetes, diabetes and its association with hypertension and other factors among rural adults (≥18 years) in India

Background

Non-communicable diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the world.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study conducted in 10 Indian states using multi-stage random sampling procedures. Information was collected on socio-economic and demographic particulars, anthropometric measurements such as height, weight and waist circumference, fasting blood glucose and blood pressure was measured. One day 24-h dietary recall was done for foods and nutrient intakes. Bivariate and multivariate step-wise logistic regression analyses was done.

Results

The prevalence of overweight/obesity among rural adults was 23.4 % (95 % CI: 22.9–23.9), while age adjusted prevalence of pre-diabetes was 8.4 % (95 % CI: 8.1–8.7) and diabetes was 6.8, (95 % CI 6.7–7.1), respectively. The prevalence of diabetes was lowest in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Odisha (3–4%) and higher in Kerala and Tamil Nadu (12–15 %). The odds of diabetes was 5.5 times more among elderly, 1.3 times higher among Christians and among high income groups, and 2 times among overweight (CI: 1.50–2.50), obese (CI: 1.61–2.76) and abdominal obesity (OR; 1.57; CI: 1.29–1.91) and 1.6 times more among hypertensives. The odds of diabetes were high among those consuming the lower tertiles of carbohydrates, pulses, milk and milk products and folic acid.

Conclusion

the age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes was 6.8 % and 8.4 % respectively and the odds of diabetes was high among elderly, among high socio-economic groups, overweight/obese subjects and among hypertensives. Also, knowledge about symptoms of diabetes was low. There is a need to improve awareness for early diagnosis and treatment for control of diabetes and hypertension.