PREVALENCE AND LIFESTYLE-RELATED RISK FACTORS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AMONG ADULT POPULATIONS IN URBAN COMMUNITIES OF PAKISTAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus has emerged as a major public health concern in urban populations of low- and middle-income countries, largely driven by rapid lifestyle transitions. Urban communities in Pakistan are experiencing increased exposure to sedentary behaviors, unhealthy dietary patterns, psychosocial stress, and sleep disturbances, all of which contribute to metabolic risk. Despite this growing burden, community-based data on diabetes prevalence and associated lifestyle factors remain limited in many urban settings. Objective: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and to examine its association with lifestyle-related risk factors among adults residing in urban communities of South Punjab, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 84 adults aged 30 years and above living in selected urban localities. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire capturing sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity, dietary habits, smoking status, sleep duration, and perceived stress. Anthropometric measurements were obtained to calculate body mass index, and diabetes status was verified through self-report and available medical records. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression to identify factors associated with diabetes. Results: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus was 31.0%. Diabetic participants were significantly older and had higher mean body mass index and fasting blood glucose levels than non-diabetic participants. Low physical activity, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, short sleep duration, and overweight or obesity were significantly more common among individuals with diabetes. Logistic regression analysis identified increasing age, low physical activity, higher body mass index, and short sleep duration as independent predictors of diabetes. Conclusion: The findings indicated a substantial burden of type 2 diabetes in urban adults, strongly linked to modifiable lifestyle factors. These results underscored the importance of targeted lifestyle-based prevention strategies to curb the rising impact of diabetes in urban Pakistani populations.