An Epidemiological Study to Assess Prevalence and Risk factors Associated with Diabetes Among Adolescents in Urban Areas of Udaipur

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescents constitute 20% of world’s total population. Adolescents have become quite vulnerable to various non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension and diabetes mellitus, especially due to the tremendous changes in their lifestyle over the last few decades. The age of onset of Type 2 diabetes in India has been shifting towards ever younger people. Among Indians in their late teens [15-19 years], Type 2 diabetes already manifests itself more often than Type 1 diabetes does. Objective: To study prevalence and risk factors for Type 2 diabetes and pre diabetes among male and female adolescents in Udaipur city. Method: It was a Community based cross sectional study conducted in three urban areas of Udaipur for 6 months. A total of 1005 adolescents were included in the study. A Pretested and predesigned questionnaire was used. Results: Prevalence of diabetes was 2.9% in males and 4.4% in females adolescents. Prevalence of smoking, alcoholism, non-vegetarian diet and hypertension was higher among males. Conclusion: Diabetes type 2 is a growing problem among adolescents. We need active involvement of health care workers for educating adolescents about risk factors for diabetes.