Diabetes Risk in Women Employees (DRIWE)—An Institution-Based Screening Model Detects High Prevalence of Women Employees at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Office employed women are exposed to unhealthy lifestyle. Indian Diabetes Risk Score (MDRF-IDRS) is a well validated method for detection of undiagnosed diabetes in the community.

Aim: To assess prevalence of diabetes risk among women employees, using MDRF-IDRS.

Methodology: A cross sectional study was done among 326 women employees in a semi urban hospital in South India to screen for risk factors for diabetes including age, waist circumference (WC), family history of diabetes (FH) physical activity (PA), gestational diabetes (GDM) and menopausal status. Those with high risk score (IDRS≥60) underwent testing for venous fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test and Logistic regression.

Results: IDRS score ≥ 60 was present in 48.7%. Mean age of participants was 33.1±8.15. Preexisting diabetes and GDM was present in 3.4% and 4% respectively, while 7.1% were post-menopausal. Majority (64.1%) were younger than 35 years. WC <80cm, 80-89cm and >90cm was noted in 13.5%, 36.5% and 50%. Vast majority (87.4%) had sedentary lifestyle. Positive FH was present in 45.4%. There was significant association of score ≥ 60 with GDM and post-menopausal status (p<0.001). Association of increasing age with PA (p<0.001), suggesting that physical inactivity in younger women. Among those with score ≥ 60, FPG was ≥ 100mg/dl in 26.42%. Significant association of FPG ≥ 100mg/dl was noted with total IDRS score (p<0.001), positive FH (p=0.004), increasing age (p=0.018), history of GDM (p=0.034), and post-menopausal status (p=0.031), but not with PA or WC.

Discussion: Institution based screening is a novel strategy employed in DRIWE study. Results show high prevalence of diabetes risk among employed women. Physical inactivity in a vast majority is also noted. Screening women employees with help of a simple cost effective IDRS tool can help encourage those identified at-risk to adopt lifestyle changes to prevent diabetes.