High prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in Sri Lankan urban population – Data from Colombo Urban Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, Sri Lanka has experienced rapid urbanization, with approximately 30% of the population currently residing in urban areas. We report the age- and sex-specific prevalence of dysglycaemia in an urban population in Colombo, Sri Lanka. METHODS: Using a stratified random sampling method, 463 subjects (139 men; 324 women) aged 18 years and above were included. Physical activity was quantified using international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). Bio impedence was used to estimate body fat. Insulin sensitivity was estimated using the HOMA calculations. Prevalence was estimated using weighted age standardized calculations. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to study associations to diabetes and prediabetes. RESULTS: There were 124 adults in the 18-40 age group (70% female), 209 adults in the 41-60 age group (73% female) and 130 adults in the > 60 age group (63% female). The overall prevalence of diabetes was 27.6% (95% CI: 23.7-31.4). The prevalence of diabetes in those aged 18-40 was 12.4% (95% CI: 6.4 -18.4), 36.1% (95% CI: 29.8 – 42.4) in those aged 41 – 60 and 48.3% (95% CI: 40.7 – 55.8) in those aged >60. Pre-diabetes was detected in 30.3% (95% CI 25.9-34.8) of the population (with either an HbA1c of 5.7-6.4%, FPG of 110-125 mg/dl or 2 Hr PPG of 140-199 mg/dl). Cumulative prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in the population was 57.9%. CONCLUSIONS: This urban study demonstrates that along with the changes in the socio-demographic status, the metabolic profile of the Sri Lankan adult has transformed, with a high prevalence of dysglycaemia and obesity.