The value of the Indian diabetes risk score as a tool for reducing the risk of diabetes among Indian medical students

Introduction: Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP), LOOK AHEAD trial, Indian Diabetes Prevention Programme have clearly established the benefits of lifestyle interventions coupled with education in reducing diabetes and CVD risk We conducted a study on the effect MDRF-Indian Diabetes Risk Score as a motivational tool for lifestyle change with special reference to physical activity and caloric intake among medical students. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 150 medical students who were given their IDRS scores and laboratory values of Fasting plasm glucose and fasting lipid profile. IDRS was recalculated after 6 months. Change in total caloric intake, duration of exercise, pedometer counts and waist circumference were recorded before and after giving them their lab reports and risk score. Results: After conveying the IDRS and lab reports, there was a significant decline in IDRS (from 36+ 10 to 31.2 + 11), waist circumference (85.4 + 7.4 cm to 84.1 + 7.2), caloric intake (from 1994 + 154 calories to 1817 + 152), physical inactivity score in IDRS (from 26 + 4.7 to 21 + 3.6) with increase in pedometer counts from 4628 + 432 to 9410 + 264. Conclusion: Calculating diabetes risk by using MDRF-IDRS improved physical activity, decreased caloric intake and waist circumference significantly among medical students and is a useful motivational tool for lifestyle change.