Characterizing the Multifactorial Risk Landscape of Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study of Behavioral and Genetic Determinants
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Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial disease influenced by both genetic predisposition and modifiable lifestyle factors. In Bangladesh, where diabetes prevalence is rising, understanding these determinants is crucial for effective disease management and prevention of complications. Objective: This study aims to characterize the behavioral and genetic determinants associated with diabetes and its progression among patients in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to August 2024 at Sheikh Hasina Medical College Hospital, Jamalpur. A total of 230 diabetic patients aged over 30 years were recruited from the Medicine Department (both indoor and outdoor). Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical history, lifestyle factors, family history of diabetes, and laboratory values including fasting blood sugar (FBS), HbA1c, and lipid profile. Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant associations between variables, using p-values to assess statistical significance. Results: The majority of participants were aged 50-59 years (32.6%) and 56.5% were male. About 52.2% had a family history of diabetes, and 39.1% had diabetes for 5-10 years. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (41.3%), and 26.1% were overweight. More than half of the participants (52.2%) consumed a high-carbohydrate diet, and 39.1% reported a sedentary lifestyle. The mean FBS was 165.4 mg/dL, and the mean HbA1c was 8.3%. Significant associations were found between age, BMI, and the duration of diabetes (p<0.05), and physical activity was significantly associated with lower FBS levels (p=0.03). Conclusion: The study identified key behavioral and genetic risk factors contributing to diabetes progression in this population. Interventions focusing on lifestyle modification and targeted treatment for high-risk groups could help in reducing the burden of diabetes and its complications.
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