Determinants of the glycemic status and its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors

Aim: Diabetes Mellitus requires adequate glycemic control along with prevention of associated morbidities, disability limitation, and rehabilitation. The present study was aimed to determine the impact of socio-demographic and lifestyle factors on the glycemic status. Settings and Design: A cross sectional study was conducted at Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) Polyclinic, Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala, India from Aug to Nov, 2013. Methodology: All the retired defence personnel (N=351) were recruited to assess physical activity, body mass index, dietary habits, alcohol, family history, sleep, stress, gender, age, employment, and education as determinants of glycemic status and its co-morbidities. Statistical analysis: The results were analyzed by Chi Square test with statistically significance of P value <0.05. Results: Total prevalence of hyperglycaemia was 24.22% with higher range in females (54.12%) than males (45.88%). A rising trend was seen associated with advancing age >40years (96.47%), unemployment (77.65%), and low education levels (60.90%). Sedentary lifestyle (64.70%), stress (20.00%), alcohol (30.59%), positive family history (41.18%; P<0.05), and non-vegetarian diet (45.88%) had shown contribution to hyperglycaemia. A significant co-morbidities of hypertension (68.23%; P<0.001), obesity (61.18%; P<0.05) and dyslipidemia (45.88%; P<0.001) was found associated with hyperglycaemia. The level of awareness and medication adherence was 67.06% and 61.18% in the subjects, respectively. Conclusion: Rising trend of hyperglycaemia and its co-morbidities prompts an urgent need for public awareness on risk factors for hyperglycaemia, and strengthening of diabetes–related health services to early detect, prevent, and treat individuals with impaired glucose metabolism.