A community-based cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus in the city of Vijayapura

Abstract

Background: This study aims to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes among adults in Vijayapura city and assess associated symptoms. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2023 to December 2024. A total of 1,195 randomly selected adults aged 35 years and above, with no prior diabetes diagnosis, were screened across six areas in Vijayapura city. Data collection included demographic details, glucometer random blood sugar (GRBS) measurements, and assessment of diabetes-related symptoms. Participants with GRBS ≥200 mg/dL or diabetes symptoms underwent HbA1c testing for confirmation. Results: Among the 1,195 participants, 67 (5.61%) were newly diagnosed with diabetes, 24 (2.01%) were prediabetic, and 1,104 (92.38%) were non-diabetic. The prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes was 2.93% in women and 2.68% in men. Blurred vision (77.3%), fatigue and weakness (70.7%), and frequent urination (66.9%) were the most commonly reported symptoms among newly diagnosed diabetics. Conclusion: The study highlights a significant burden of undiagnosed diabetes (5.61%) in Vijayapura city. A substantial proportion of individuals exhibited diabetes- related symptoms despite glucose levels below diagnostic thresholds. Routine screening, lifestyle interventions, and public health initiatives are crucial to prevent complications and reduce the growing impact of diabetes in the community.