SMOKING AND DIABETES: AN AGE-MATCHED CASE-CONTROL STUDY AMONG MALE ADULTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN MADURAI DISTRICT

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a growing public health challenge in India, with Type II diabetes (T2DM) prevalence estimated at 8–10% and an additional 15% having prediabetes. Smoking has been implicated as a modiable risk factor inuencing the development and complications of T2DM through mechanisms including oxidative stress, β-cell dysfunction, and central obesity. However, data from India remain limited. Objective: To assess the association between smoking and T2DM among adult males attending a tertiary care hospital in Madurai district and to evaluate the inuence of socio-demographic factors. Methods: A hospital-based age-matched (±5 years) case-control study was conducted at Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai. Forty-ve male cases diagnosed with T2DM within the past year and forty-ve age-matched controls (RBS <140 mg/dL) were enrolled. Data on socio-demographics, smoking habits, and other tobacco use were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Blood sugar levels were measured using a glucometer. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests. Results: The study found a signicant association between cigarette smoking and T2DM among male adults attending the tertiary hospital. Smokers had higher odds of developing T2DM compared to non-smokers (OR=2.5; 95% CI: 1.3–4.7; p<0.05). Higher cigarette consumption and longer duration of smoking were correlated with increased risk. Socio-demographic factors such as age, education, and occupation also showed signicant associations with diabetes prevalence.