Consanguinity among individuals with diabetes in Pakistan: A cross-sectional study

To determine the frequency of consanguinity among individuals with diabetes in Pakistan and to investigate the effect of consanguinity on the occurrence of diabetes at different familial levels, we also aimed to report public perceptions on the matter. This cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2023 and January 2024, targeting individuals with diabetes across Pakistan. Data were collected through an online questionnaire, which included questions on participants' demographics, family history, diabetes diagnosis, and awareness levels. Participants were classified based on their diabetes type. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics were used to determine frequencies, and chi-square tests were applied to assess associations. Of the 404 participants, 52% reported having consanguineous parents, with 22.3% being first cousins. Type 2 diabetes was the most prevalent (70.5%), followed by Type 1 (26.5%) and gestational diabetes (3%). A strong family history of diabetes was reported by 80.4% of participants, with 41.1% having diabetic siblings. Around 64.8% demonstrated general knowledge about diabetes, and 63.1% agreed that consanguinity increases the risk of diabetes. The study reveals a high frequency of consanguineous parental relationships among individuals with diabetes in Pakistan. Public health interventions, including genetic counseling and awareness campaigns, are essential to address the risks associated with consanguineous marriages and reduce the diabetes burden in Pakistan.