Prevalence and correlates of self-reported diabetes among a nationally representative population-based sample of older adults in India in 2017-2018

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of self-reported diabetes in older adults in India. The cross-sectional sample consisted of 52,393 individuals (≥50 years) from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1 in 2017-2018. Results indicate that the prevalence of self-reported diabetes was 13.4% diabetes, 13.2% among women and 13.8% among men. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, older age, higher childhood economic status, urban residence, overweight and obesity, hypertension and high cholesterol were positively associated with self-reported diabetes, while vigorous physical activity, and current tobacco use were negatively associated with diabetes. In addition, in unadjusted analysis, higher subjective socioeconomic status was positively and lifetime alcohol use was negatively associated with self-reported diabetes. One in eight older adults in India reported having been diagnosed with diabetes. Several risk factors were identified, which can be targeted in public health interventions.