Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance in a rural area in Pakistan and associated risk factors

SummaryAimsTo determine the prevalence of diabetes and IFG and associated risk factors in a rural area of Pakistan.MethodsTwo thousand one hundred and nineteen rural individuals aged 20 years and above were included in the study. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), height, weight, waist, hips, body fat percentage (BF%), lipid profile and blood pressure were recorded.ResultsThe prevalence of diabetes in men was 3.7% (95% CI: 2.3–5.1), in women 6.9% (95% CI: 5.5–8.3) and in total 5.8% (95% CI: 4.8–6.8). The prevalence of IFG in men, women and for the total was 4.7% (95% CI: 3.1–6.3), 5.8% (95% CI: 4.5–7.1) and 5.4% (95% CI: 4.4–6.4). Age, gender, waist/hip ratio, BF% and hypertension were significant risk factors for diabetes after controlling for potential confounding factors.ConclusionsA relatively high prevalence of type 2 diabetes and impaired fasting plasma glucose was observed in the rural population of Pakistan. WHR was independently associated with the occurrence of diabetes.