Background: In India, diabetes mellitus (DM) is reaching an epidemic proportion. It has been reported that more and more cases of DM occur at younger age in India and the age group of 2534 years can be considered a take-off point for prevalence of DM. The dental students due to their academic setup, lead a sedentary lifestyle, which make them more prone for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes.
Aim and Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) and to study its association of risk of diabetes with other factors among 1st-year dental students in a dental college in South Kerala.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the dental students in Al Azhar Dental College, Thodupuzha, Kerala, India. Using universal sampling method, 84 1st year dental students who gave consent were allowed to participate in the study. FINDRISC tool on diabetes risk assessment which aims to predict an individuals risk of developing Type 2 diabetes within the next 10 years was used.
Results: Among female students, 49 (70.0%) had low risk, 20 (28.6%) had slightly elevated, and 1 (1.4%) had moderate risk of developing diabetes in next 10 years. Among male students, 9 (64.3%) had low risk and rest 5 (35.7%) slightly elevated risk of developing diabetes in next 10 years. There was an association between diabetes risk and fathers education (P = 0.029) and family history of diabetes (P ˂ 0.000).
Conclusion: Study shows 30.0% female students and 35.7% male students have either slightly elevated or moderate risk of developing diabetes in next 10 years. Efforts must be taken at community level to prevent young people from developing diabetes.
Key words: Online Diabetes Risk Assessment; Finnish Diabetes Risk Score; Dental Students; Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; Kerala
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