A Cross-Sectional Study among Government Employees to Detect Undiagnosed Cases of Hypertension and Diabetes in Gujarat

Background: Diabetes and hypertension are rising like an epidemic in India. The initial phase of hypertension and diabetes is asymptomatic and may, therefore, remain undiagnosed. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce complication and with this background, the present study was carried out in government employees of Gandhinagar to find out the prevalence of undiagnosed cases of Hypertension and Diabetes. Objective: To measure the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among the employees of New Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar, and to estimate the ratio of diagnosed cases to undiagnosed cases of diabetes and hypertension. Result: Out of 775 subjects examined, 676 (87.2%) were males and 99 (12.8%) were females. The ratio of diagnosed to undiagnosed cases was 98:177. The ratio indicates that for every 10 known cases of hypertension, there were about 18 cases which were undetected. The ratio of diagnosed cases to undiagnosed cases was 36:43. This ratio indicates that for every 10 known cases of diabetes there were about 12 cases, which are left undetected. There is no statistically significant difference found between gender and distribution of diabetes and hypertension cases as per Chi-square test. Conclusion: Prevalence of undiagnosed cases of hypertension and diabetes was found high in the study population in spite of high education. Awareness regarding regular periodic checkup for hypertension and diabetes should be promoted and such diagnostic camps should be organized for the early detection of diabetes and hypertension for employees in offices.