Evaluate the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) within an urban population utilising the Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS)

Abstract

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a growing public health concern
in India, particularly in urban areas, where undiagnosed cases contribute significantly
to the disease burden. The Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) is a simple, validated
tool for early identification of individuals at risk, especially in resource-constrained
settings. This study aimed to assess the risk of T2DM among females aged ≥30 years
in an urban resettlement colony in Delhi and explore associated risk factors using the
IDRS.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2024 among
150 adult participants (70 females, 80 males) in an urban field practice area of a
tertiary care center in Northern India. Participants were selected using a convenient
sampling method, excluding those with a known diagnosis of diabetes. Data were
collected using a structured questionnaire including sociodemographic details and
IDRS components: age, abdominal circumference, physical activity, and family
history of diabetes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, and associations
were evaluated using Chi-square tests (P<0.05 considered significant).
Results: Among the 150 participants, 14.7% were categorized as low risk, 26.7% as
moderate risk, and 58.6% as high risk for T2DM. A significant association was
observed between diabetes risk and gender (P=0.03), age (P<0.00001), occupational
status (P=0.003), abdominal circumference (P<0.00001), physical activity
(P<0.00001), and family history of diabetes (P<0.00001). Over two-thirds of
participants had moderate-to-high diabetes risk, with sedentary lifestyle and
abdominal obesity being prominent contributing factors.
Conclusion: The IDRS effectively identified individuals at increased risk for T2DM,
particularly among females, older adults, and those with abdominal obesity or
sedentary habits. Community-based screening using IDRS, coupled with awareness
campaigns and lifestyle modification strategies, can aid in early detection and
prevention of diabetes. Training healthcare workers in IDRS application can facilitate
widespread risk assessment and targeted interventions.