A Multicentric Study from North India to Evaluate and Compare Epidemiological, Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Diabetic Patients and Associated Comorbidities

Aims: The epidemiology of diabetic patients is well studied in India. However, there is limited data on the epidemiology of diabetes among the rural and urban communities. This study has been designed to understand the geographical pattern and presentation of diabetes in North India. Methods and Materials: An observational, multicentre, cross-sectional study was conducted among diabetic patients visiting outpatient clinics of the primary care centres at various cities of Uttar Pradesh state from January 2019 to October 2020. The patients’ epidemiological, demographic and clinical characteristics were collected with the help of a predesigned questionnaire tool. The collected data were analysed using an appropriate statistical test. Results: A total of 3,951 patient records had been studied. The median age of diabetics was 50 years, and their median BMI was 26 kg/m 2 and indicating diabetic patients were obese as per Asian Indian criteria. Patients from rural settings had 59% higher odds of not having received any formal education, and 23% higher odds of any addiction-related history. Odds of heart disease and of stroke were significantly higher in the urban setting than rural setting. Positive history of any addiction was associated with 85% higher odds of heart disease or stroke ( P < .05) in the overall adult population. Multiple regression analysis showed age of patient and liquor consumption were associated with a statistically significant association with heart disease. Conclusion: There was a discrepancy in presentation of diabetic individuals within the rural and urban communities of India.