Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and its Associated Risk Indicators in a Rural Bangladeshi Population

Background: Substantial racial heterogeneity in diabetes leads to the necessity of conducting epidemiological studies in different communities. Such studies are still inadequate in Bangladeshi population, particularly in truly respective rural areas. The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of diabetes and to identify its associated risk indicators in a rural population of Bangladesh. Methods: This population based cross-sectional study was conducted in remote rural areas of Northern Bangladesh, which included a total of 836 participants aged at or above 25 years through screening in camp settings. Diabetes was diagnosed by WHO criteria after a 2-sample OGTT. BMI, waist-hip ratio, blood pressure, lipid profile and serum creatinine were also estimated. Results: The prevalence of diabetes was found to be 7.2% (95% CI 5.4-9.0) and that of impaired glucose regulation [including both impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and/or impaired fasting glucose (IFG)] was 6.5% (95% CI 4.8-8.2). The prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose regulation differed between males and females, but, both increased with age in males as well as females. A good correlation was observed between fasting blood glucose and 2hr after glucose (Kappa value 0.86) among the study participants. After adjusting for potential confounders BMI and WHR were found as significant independent risk indicators for the occurrence of diabetes in this population. Conclusion: A relatively high prevalence of diabetes was observed in this rural Bangladeshi population. Preventive programs, particularly targeted to body weight management through lifestyle modification should be strengthened even in rural areas.