Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in long commuters of the urban population and the association of Stress –a cross- sectional study

The diabetes mellitus epidemic has evolved. The urban population commute for work. Commuting long hours for daily work is associated with comorbidities. Diabetes has many etiological factors. Long hours of commuting may also be the cause of diabetes. This study was initiated to study the prevalence of diabetes in people who commute long hours for work and to find the association of commute stress. 354 people who commute for work daily in a car participated in the study. The study population was divided into two categories, as long commuters (LC) and short commuters (SC). The stress of commute in the study population was assessed by instituting PSSS (Perceived stress symptom score) questionnaire. The weight and height was measured and BMI (Body mass Index) calculated. The Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was diagnosed with fasting (FPG) and post prandial plasma glucose (PPPG). Long hours of commuting are associated with increased prevalence of diabetes. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in long commuters is 24%, and short commuters, it is 6%. The prevalence of T2DM is associated with high PSS score and high BMI. Severe level stress was detected in 40% of long commuters, and in short commuters it is 6%.