Risk of Developing Diabetes among Ayurveda Students using Indian Diabetes Risk Score

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of diabetes reflects an increase in associated risk factors. Risks of the diabetes are among those with family history of diabetes, overweight or obese and people with moderate to high Indian Diabetic Risk Score (IDRS). There is a long asymptomatic prediabetic stage before the development of diabetes.

Materials and Methods: Present study was done on 300 students of National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur to screen those at risk of Diabetes among Ayurveda students by using IDRS. Age, sex, waist circumference, details of physical activities and family history of diabetes were recorded to calculate Indian Diabetic Risk Score (IDRS).

Results and Discussion: The mean IDRS score among female was 29.4 and among male was 27.8. 70.6% of the students had reported no family history of Diabetes. 35% of students did not follow regular physical exercise. The mean BMI of students in study was 22.38. 25.7% had either parent suffering from diabetes while 3.7% had both the parents suffering from diabetes. 60 percent were found in moderate risk group while 2.7 % were in high risk group on the basis of IDRS. The high prevalence among parents suggests that the number of students with moderate risk will come under high risk score once they turn to middle age above 35 years.

Conclusions: The majority of Ayurveda students were in the moderate risk group. IDRS which is easy, cost effective and reliable tool for early screening of diabetes and prediabetic population in developing countries can contribute towards screening and preventing diabetes.