Abstract:
The prevalence of diabetes among Sri Lankan adults
has been recently reported as 10.3%. We aimed to determine the prevalence of
diabetes and the underlying risk factors among different ethnic groups and
provinces. Methods: 5000 people above 18 years of age were selected by a multistage random cluster sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to
record interview and anthropometric data. Fasting and 2 hour post OGTT plasma
glucose were estimated. New cases of diabetes were diagnosed according to the
WHO criteria. Data were analysed using STATA software. Results: Altogether
4532 subjects participated (response 91%); males 40%; mean age 46years (SD
15). The crude prevalence of diabetes was 12.6%. The prevalence of diabetes was
highest in the Western province (18.8%) followed by Central (12.6%), Southern
(12.2%) Sabaragamuwa (11.5%), North- Western (10.0%) and Uva (6.8%)
provinces (p<0.0001). Sri Lankan Tamils (22.1%) had the highest prevalence of
diabetes followed by the Muslims (21.4%), Sinhalese (11.9%) and Plantation
sector Tamils (3.2%) (<0.022). Ethnicity was not significantly associated with
diabetes in multivariate regression analysis corrected for obesity and physical
inactivity but the province of residence remained significantly associated. In
different provinces and ethnic groups, diabetes prevalence positively correlated
with obesity indices and income but negatively correlated with level of physical
activity. Conclusion: There is a marked variation in the prevalence of diabetes in
different provinces and ethnic groups in Sri Lanka. These patterns underlie the
differences in obesity, income and physical activity and can be used for targeted
primary preventive strategies.
