Prevalence and Risk Factors of Diabetes Mellitus in Younger and Older Patients at a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Mardan, Pakistan

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major non-communicable metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia arising from impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance, or a combination of both.As the global burden of DM continues to rise, understanding its prevalence and associated risk factors in specific populations is critical for the development of effective prevention and management strategies.A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 residents (75 males and 75 females) attending a tertiary healthcare facility in Mardan, Pakistan.Sociodemographic characteristics, family history, body mass index (BMI), lifestyle behaviors, dietary patterns, psychological stress, and other potential risk factors were assessed using a structured questionnaire, while venous blood samples were collected to confirm the diagnosis of DM.Overall, the prevalence of DM was found to be 34.67%(n=52), with 29.33% (n=44) previously diagnosed and 5.33% (n=8) newly identified during the investigation.A significant sex-related disparity was observed, with prevalence rates of 26.67% (n=20) in males and 42.67% (n=32) in females.Rural residents exhibited a higher prevalence (42.86%, n=33) compared to urban residents (26.03%, n=19).Several risk factors demonstrated a notable association with DM, including advanced age (>60 years: 8.67%, n=13), obesity (12.67%, n=19), low physical activity (26.67%, n=40), smoking (11.33%, n=17), unhealthy dietary patterns (27.33%, n=41), high psychological stress (17.33%, n=26), hypertension (14%, n=21), and a positive family history (27.33%, n=41).The findings indicate an upward trend in the prevalence of DM in the Mardan region.Immediate implementation of targeted interventions, including public health education, lifestyle modification, dietary counseling, and risk factor management, is essential to mitigate the increasing burden of DM in this population.