High prevalence of diabetes in young people in Bangalore, India

Background and aims: The burden of diabetes in India is increasing, especially in cities. We conducted a cross- sectional survey of the prevalence of diabetes and a measure of prediabetes in an urban population in Bangalore, India.Methods: Screening was conducted free of charge and without need for a prior appointment in 32 screening sites throughout Bangalore. Diabetes was defined either on the basis of a self-reported prior diagnosis or as undiagnosed diabetes on the basis of a random blood glucose measurement of >11.1 mmol/L (200 mg/dL). A second index of dysglycaemia, termed prediabetes, was defined as a random blood glucose measurement of >7.8 mmol/L (140 mg/dL) but less than 11.1 mmol/L.Results: The study population comprised 3,691 subjects, screened over a period of 15 months. Previously diagnosed diabetes was present in 818 patients (22.2%), previously undiagnosed diabetes in 67 patients (1.8%) and the additional measure of prediabetes in 221 patients (6%). Accordingly, almost one-third of subjects (30%) had diabetes or prediabetes by our criteria. Diabetes (diagnosed or undiagnosed) and prediabetes were more common in older subjects than younger subjects, as would be expected.Conclusions: We observed high rates of dysglycaemia in a large urban population in Bangalore. Our data add to previous reports of a substantial burden of abnormal glucose regulation in this setting. Additional public health initiatives are required to protect the citizens of Bangalore from diabetes and its future complications.