Abstract:
Background: This study aims to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes
among adults in Vijayapura city and assess associated symptoms.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2023 to December 2024. A total of 1,195 randomly selected adults aged 35 years and above, with no prior diabetes diagnosis, were screened across six areas in Vijayapura city. Data collection included demographic details, glucometer random blood sugar (GRBS)
measurements, and assessment of diabetes-related symptoms. Participants with GRBS
≥200 mg/dL or diabetes symptoms underwent HbA1c testing for confirmation.
Results:
Among the 1,195 participants, 67 (5.61%) were newly diagnosed with
diabetes, 24 (2.01%) were prediabetic, and 1,104 (92.38%) were non-diabetic. The
prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes was 2.93% in women and 2.68% in men. Blurred
vision (77.3%), fatigue and weakness (70.7%), and frequent urination (66.9%) were
the most commonly reported symptoms among newly diagnosed diabetics.
Conclusion:
The study highlights a significant burden of undiagnosed diabetes
(5.61%) in Vijayapura city. A substantial proportion of individuals exhibited diabetes-
related symptoms despite glucose levels below diagnostic thresholds. Routine
screening, lifestyle interventions, and public health initiatives are crucial to prevent
complications and reduce the growing impact of diabetes in the community.
