A Correlative Assessment of Indian Diabetic Risk Scores with Anxiety States Among Healthy Adults

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes, a major public health problem, whose global prevalence is increasing, with India heading to be diabetic capital of World by 2030. Among many factors that increase the risk of becoming diabetes, the psychological factors share major concern. Aim: Present study attempts to decipher the relationship between anxiety states and the diabetes risk among normal healthy adult volunteers. Material & Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 216 subjects which includes both gender in the age group of 20-45 yrs. Demographic profiles, anthropometric parameters were assessed. Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) was calculated and subjects were categorized into low risk (group1), medium risk (group 2) and high risk (group 3) based on IDRS scores. Anxiety was assessed using Spielberg’s state and trait anxiety score (STAI); sleep quality was assessed by Pittsburg sleep quality index, morningness and eveningness was assessed using standard questionnaire. Statistics: Data was subjected to ANOVA and Pearson correlation. Results: The risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increased with age. The prevalence of participants at high risk was 24%, moderate risk 56% and low risk was 16%. Anthropometric parameters was higher (p=0.00) in group 3 compared to other two groups. Trait anxiety score was significantly high (p=0.001) in group 3 compared to group 1 and group 2. Pearson correlation showed weaker association with IDRS and STAI, but, there was a positive correlation of waist circumference with STAI. There was no significant differences sleep quality. Conclusion: Present study showed a positive correlation between trait anxiety status i.e anxiety proneness and markers of abdominal obesity in high risk group. Therefore, it could be hypothesized that high anxiety states could drive towards excess eating, a reward seeking behavior, to alleviate the experience of anxiety. Thus, assessment of anxiety and steps to overcome the same could be considered as initial steps towards preventing risk of developing diabetes.