Publication:

Assessment of type 2 diabetes risk using the Indian diabetes risk score and its association with selected risk factors among adults attending a rural health training centre in central India: a cross-sectional study

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant public health concern in India, with a large proportion of cases remaining undiagnosed, especially in rural populations. Early identification of individuals at risk is essential to prevent or delay disease onset. This study aimed to assess the risk of T2DM using the Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) and to examine its association with selected risk factors among adults attending a rural health training centre in Central India.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October 2025 among 236 adults aged ≥30 years at the Rural Health Training Centre, Saoner. Known cases of diabetes mellitus, pregnant women and lactating women were excluded. Data were collected using a pre-designed, semi-structured proforma. Participants were classified into low, moderate and high-risk categories based on IDRS. Convenience sampling was adopted. Data analysis was performed using Jamovi statistical software (version 2.6.44). Associations between IDRS categories and selected variables were analysed using Fisher’s exact test (Freeman–Halton extension), with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results Among the participants, 64.8% were aged ≥50 years. Based on IDRS, 4.2% were at low risk, 41.5% at moderate risk and 54.3% at high risk. Age, gender, physical activity, family history of diabetes, body mass index, waist circumference and hypertension were significantly associated with higher IDRS risk categories (p<0.05).

Conclusions A considerable proportion of adults attending a rural health training centre were found to be at high risk of developing T2DM. Routine screening at the primary care level using IDRS, along with targeted lifestyle interventions, may facilitate early detection and prevention of diabetes.