Background:
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. This persistent high blood sugar is the leading cause of diabetic complications (NPNCD, MOHFW). Police work is recognized as inherently stressful due to long and unpredictable working hours, exposure to traumatic situations, interactions with anti-social elements, and strict disciplinary practices.
Aim:
To estimate the prevalence of DM and its association with liver function parameters among police personnel in Surendranagar District, Gujarat.
Method:
A cross-sectional study was carried out among 1478 police personnel of the Surendranagar district during the period of June to October 2024. Medical records of police personnel, such as HbA1c, cholesterol levels, liver enzymes, age, and gender, were analyzed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical tests. Diagnosis of DM, IFG was based on HbA1c estimation as per World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Permission from the Institutional Ethics Committee was obtained before starting the study. The data were anonymized to protect participant confidentiality.
Results:
Out of 1478 police personnel, 82.21% had normal HbA1c levels, while 11.37% were prediabetic, and 6.43% were diabetic, indicating that nearly 18% were at risk or diagnosed with diabetes. Dyslipidemia was prevalent, with abnormal HDL levels in 88.04% and LDL levels in 63.87% of participants. A weak but significant positive correlation was found between HbA1c and cholesterol, serum triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and liver enzymes like SGPT. Cholesterol, LDL/HDL ratios, and serum triglycerides were significantly higher in participants with prediabetes and diabetes. Post hoc analysis confirmed higher cholesterol, triglyceride, and liver enzyme levels in participants with diabetes than in healthy individuals.
Conclusion:
Although most police personnel maintained normal HbA1c levels, nearly 18% were either prediabetic or diabetic, highlighting a significant at-risk population. Dyslipidemia, particularly abnormal HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, was prevalent among participants. Furthermore, individuals with prediabetes and diabetes exhibited significantly higher cholesterol, LDL/HDL ratios, and liver enzyme levels than those with normal HbA1c levels. These results emphasize the need for targeted interventions to monitor and manage both diabetes and liver function in police personnel.
Key words: Prevalence, Diabetes mellitus (type II), Liver function parameters, Police personnel
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