DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2026.v14i05.014

Pages: 732-737

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a rapidly increasing public health challenge influenced by multiple medical, lifestyle, psychological, and dietary factors. Identifying these determinants is essential to inform prevention and management strategies, especially in rural populations. Objectives: The study aimed to (1) assess the risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus among case and control group, (2) compare case and control group to assess the risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and (3) associate type 2 diabetes mellitus with their selected socio demographic variables among case and control group Methods: A descriptive survey using a cross-sectional case-control design was conducted among 160 adults in Bagalkot district (80 with T2DM, 80 without). Purposive sampling was adopted. Data were collected using a validated and reliable structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic, medical, lifestyle, psychological, and dietary domains. Body Mass Index (BMI) was also assessed. Data were analysed using SPSS 28, applying descriptive statistics, chi-square test, t-test, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Mean BMI was higher in cases (26.24 ± 3.67) than controls (24.99 ± 3.19). Major risk factors significantly associated with T2DM included hypertension (81.25% vs. 3.75%), family history of diabetes (80% vs. 20%), tobacco use (67.5% vs. 28.75%), alcohol consumption (57.5% vs. 30%), stress (85% vs. 10%), and high sugar/fat intake (81.25% vs. 23.75%). Odds ratio analysis revealed hypertension (OR = 111.22), stress (OR = 51.00), burnout (OR = 47.67), and high sugar/fat intake (OR > 20) as strong predictors of T2DM. Protective factors included balanced diet (OR = 0.23) and daily exercise (OR = 0.39). Socio-demographic variables significantly associated with T2DM were age (p = 0.0356), education (p = 0.0085), occupation (p = 0.00001), and income (p = 0.0072). Conclusion: T2DM in rural adults is strongly influenced by modifiable medica