Research Article Open Access

Prevalence of Type-2 Diabetes and Associated Risk Factors in Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Diabetes and its associated complications have been increasing dramatically worldwide. Prevalence of diabetes is higher in developed than in developing countries, however past two decades diabetes mellitus was reported higher in developing countries. Diabetes and its associated complication awareness are lacking, adequate baseline information is mandatory to the public to overcome this problem. Hence the present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of diabetes. The aim of the study was to assess the risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Batticaloa district, Sri Lanka. The study included 100 type 2 diabetes cases randomly selected among patients with diabetes. A questionnaire that contained sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors was used for data collection. ANOVA was performed to find the significance of more than two means. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Study results showed those above 50 years of age to have more chance to get diabetes when compared with the other age groups. Gender and religion did not show any statistically significant association with diabetes. Physical activity was observed as a protective factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. Hypertension emerged as a strong risk factor for diabetes. In conclusion, results of the present study will be a use in planning primordial, primary and secondary measures of prevention at the community level.

A.Prasanth, T. Mahendran and N. Sujirtha