CORRELATION OF THE DURATION OF DIABETES WITH ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICES AMONG DIABETIC PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diseases in the world and is acquiring epidemic proportions. Its prevalence is growing in both developed and developing countries. Indians are genetically more susceptible to diabetes compared to other races. Aims:To correlate the duration of diabetes with the waist-hip ratio (WHR) and thigh circumference in Type II Diabetic Mellitus patients. Methods:A cross-sectional hospital-based case control study was done which included 50 subjects aged above 30 years, with a past history of diabetes mellitus. An equal number of age and sex matched subjects were included in the study as controls. The duration of the disease by history and anthropometric measurements like height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, and thigh circumference, were noted using standard procedures. Results:There was a positive correlation between the duration of diabetes with Waist Hip Ratio and Thigh Circumference. Conclusion: It is recommended that these parameters can be used on regular basis for early detection and timely intervention to prevent the complications in Diabetics.