Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Anthropological Status in Tribals and Non-Tribals of Paschim Medinipore District of West Bengal

Abstract

Background: The study was carried out to determine the relationship between anthropological status & prevalence of type-2 diabetes mellitus (pre diabetic & diabetic states) among the population of remote areas of Paschim Medinipore district. The tribal subjects predominantly were Lodhas and Munda contributed 15% of total district population. They had their own life style specific customs, survive predominantly on forest food and comparable to non-tribals resident of the same area studied as separate group. A total number of 463 tribals and non tribals were incorporated in this cross sectional study during peripheral health camps conducted in the tribal villages of namely Kultikri and Khajra, remote areas of Paschim Medinipore district. Lodhas (244, 52.9%), Munda (178, 38.5%) and non-tribals (41, 8.18%) were subjected to all anthropometric measurements, and nutritional status assessment following WHO criteria. Diabetic state was confirmed from estimation of blood glucose level (random) was measured in all individuals using single prick glucometer. Blood pressure (BP) was recorded by sphygmomanometer. A major portion of tribals (39 %) were under weight while 11% were over weight, and 45% of non-tribals were overweight with 12% being under weight. Tribal males showed high BP in compare to females but both of the sexes had similar nutritional status surprisingly. The subjects detected to be diabetics were 3.23% among tribals and 7.3 % in non-tribal groups. The Lodhas were found more vulnarable to develop diabetes followed by the Mundas while the non-tribals had the maximum number in prediabetic state. The prediabetic prevalence was 20% in far with any urban city in India. The prediabetic accounted for 4.34% while nearly detected diabetic's accounted for 5.79% in under nourished group. A significant 20.5% were seen in overweight group. While the non urban group comparable to urban dwellers, the predominant prediabetic status among the tribals in the under nourished group is probably attributed to pancreatic beta cell dysfunction, while insulin resistance can explain the prediabetic and diabetic status in the overweight group. Analysis of more tribals and non tribals will clarify the situation in future.