Bisma Bhat
Srinagar, Mar 5: At least 10 percent of population in Srinagar is suffering from type-2 diabetes and another 10 percent are at the risk of getting it, a recent study conducted by Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar has revealed.
The study was conducted by Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Saleem, Demonstrator at Department of Community Medicine GMC Srinagar, on the dietary habits of people of different age groups living across Srinagar city.
It was found that at least 10 percent of the people in Srinagar—50% among them females—have type-2 diabetes, while 22 percent have pre-diabetes.
The study suggests that the risk of prevalence of type-2 diabetes was 9.8% and risk of pre-diabetes was 22.2%. Majority of them had known type 2 diabetes mellitus.
A total of 580 subjects were examined out of which 305 subjects were in 41-60 years age group, 210 subjects were in 21-40 years age group and only 65 were in the age group of 61-80 years.
Of the sample, 291 were females and 289 were males. The study found out that as compared to males, females were more diabetic.
For the study, all the 580 were subjected to go under fasting for about eight hours.
“Those participants who had fasting blood glucose levels greater than 126 mg/dl were labeled as having diabetes mellitus while those having fasting blood glucose levels ranging from 100-125 mg/dl were labeled as impaired fasting glycaemia (a type of pre-diabetes condition),” the study reads.
As per it, “those subjects who had fasting blood glucose levels equal or greater to 126 mg/dl for first time in life were again tested after one week. Subjects with repeated values of fasting blood glucose greater than 126mg/dl were labeled newly diagnosed diabetics.”
The study aimed to find out risk factors associated with the chronic condition of diabetes in Srinagar district.
“Majority of subjects consume vegetable 2-5 times in a usual week. It was observed that there is less consumption of pulses, milk, eggs, fish and coffee among the subjects studied,” it says.
“78 (13.8%) subjects had family history of diabetes mellitus and the most commonly affected kin by it was the first degree relative like siblings, son and daughter.”
“Those having smoking behavior and excessive calorie intake per week were also at a higher risk of getting T2 Diabetes Mellitus,” it says.
Dr Saleem told The Kashmir Monitor that obesity and consumption of sweets are the major risk factors for the development of diabetes mellitus.
“99.6% and 97.7% study subjects responded that physical inactivity and family history of diabetes mellitus contribute to the development of diabetes mellitus respectively,” Dr Saleem said.
He added that stress and hypertension are other contributing factors for the development of diabetes mellitus that was revealed by 96.8% and 91.8% study subjects respectively.
“The study recommended that there is a need for health plan based on screening and early diagnosis. People should meet with professional dieticians to plan an individualized diet taking into consideration their own health needs,” Dr Saleem said adding that “intake of junk food, chocolates and consumption of soft drinks should be avoided. Regular exercise including brisk walking will improve insulin sensitivity and may play role in preventing type 2 Diabetes mellitus.”
