Prevalence of risk factors for Type II Diabetes Mellitus in the inhabitants of Parque Chacabuco, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of risk factors for the development of type II Diabetes Mellitus in a sample of adults aged 18 to 60 years in the Parque Chacabuco neighborhood of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires during the period from August to September 2024.
Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional, and quantitative study. The FINDRISK survey was used to evaluate the prevalence of risk factor for type II Diabetes Mellitus.
Results: 71 individuals were enrolled. 35.21% percent of the sample was between the ages of 18 and 34, 64.79% were female, 71.83% were unmarried, 90.14% were employed, and 45.07% were working under a dependency relationship. According to the FINDRISK Scale, 49.30% of the participants were overweight, 61.97% had a family history of Diabetes, 57.75% were sedentary, 23.97% had a low consumption of fruits and vegetables, 1.41% were hypertensive, and 45.07% had a low risk (<7 points) of developing type II Diabetes Mellitus.
Conclusions: This study underscores the significance of recognizing risk factors for Type II Diabetes Mellitus in the Parque Chacabuco neighborhood, including a sedentary lifestyle, overweight, and family history. Obesity and lack of physical activity persist as salient concerns. The FINDRISK Scale identified 11% and 4% of the population at moderate and high risk, respectively, highlighting the need for preventive strategies. Type II Diabetes Mellitus is a condition that can be prevented through lifestyle modifications, including improvements in diet and increased physical activity.