The prevalence and associated risk factors of pre-diabetes and diabetes among adults in the Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes in Sri Lanka has gradually increased over the last few decades. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of pre-diabetes and diabetes among adults in randomly selected Divisional Secretariat divisions in Batticaloa district, Sri Lanka. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based descriptive study was conducted among 582 adults aged ≥ 18 years. A pre-tested and validated interviewer administrated questionnaire was used and a blood sample was obtained to assess the glycosylated hemoglobin level. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v 20. Results: Nearly 78% of them were females and mean age of the participants was 50.5 (SD±13.2) years. Pre-diabetes plus diabetes (HbA c ≥ 5.7%) was observed among 63% (95% CI = 33.0 to 41.0). The overall 1 prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes was 34.2% (95% CI = 30.3 to 38.2) and 28.9% (95% CI = 25.2 to 32.8) respectively. The mean BMI of the participants was significantly higher among pre-diabetes and diabetes category (dysglycaemia) when compared to the normal category (M = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.01 to 3.01, p = 0.001). Age ≥ 50 years (AOR = 5.88, 95% CI = 2.99 to 11.55), overweight/obesity (AOR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.18 to 4.97), consumption of white rice (AOR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.20 to 4.29), and family history of diabetes (AOR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.51 to 5.77) were found to be the risk factors for dysglycaemia (HbA c of ≥ 5.7%) in the binary logistic 1 regression model. Conclusions and recommendations: The prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes was high in the Batticaloa district. Promotion of health awareness on risk factors for pre-diabetes; weight reduction and healthy lifestyles are necessary. Furthermore, screening programs are needed to detect pre-diabetes and more of the undiagnosed diabetes cases.