Prevalence and Factors Influencing Diabesity among Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Urban Puducherry: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study.

BACKGROUND

The risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) increase exponentially when type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity coexist.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the proportion of people with diabesity and assess the sociodemographic, dietary, and morbidity related factors associated with diabesity.

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 2018 among persons with T2DM attending an urban Primary Health Centre in Puducherry using a structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

The mean (standard deviation) age of 151 study participants was 58.2 (11.8) years with 66% ( = 100), 77% ( = 116) and 40% ( = 60) being females, sedentary workers and belonging to lower socioeconomic status, respectively. Of total, 71% ( = 107) had hypertension, 66% ( = 99) had uncontrolled fasting blood sugar (FBS) level and 74% ( = 111) did not consume fruits daily. The proportion of diabesity was found to be 66.9% (95% CI 58.8-74.3). After adjusting for other factors, obesity was significantly high among T2DM patients aged 50 years and less (adjusted prevalence ratio- (aPR) 1.4; (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.83) compared to >60 years. Having uncontrolled FBS values (aPR 1.28; [95% CI: 1.01-1.64]), deficient in calorie intake (aPR 1.66; [95% CI: 1.25-2.22]), deficient in fruits intake (aPR 1.45; [95% CI: 1.07-1.97]), and high fat consumption (aPR 1.26; [95% CI: 1.02-1.57]) had significant association with diabesity.

CONCLUSION

Considering the rising burden of diabetes associated with obesity, vigilant strategy to reduce modifiable risk factors for CVD needs further emphasis at primary care settings.