What Is IDRS?
The Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) was developed by Dr. V. Mohan and colleagues at the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) and is widely regarded as a practical tool for identifying individuals at high risk of type 2 diabetes in the Indian population.
Four Simple Parameters of IDRS
IDRS is calculated using just four non-invasive, easy-to-measure parameters:
- Age
- Abdominal obesity (measured by waist circumference)
- Family history of diabetes
- Physical activity level
These four parameters together give a maximum score of 100, as illustrated below:
| Parameter | Categories | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Age | <35 years | 0 |
| 35–49 years | 20 | |
| ≥50 years | 30 | |
| Abdominal Obesity (Waist Circumference) | Waist <80 cm (F) / <90 cm (M) | 0 |
| Waist 80–89 cm (F) / 90–99 cm (M) | 10 | |
| Waist ≥90 cm (F) / ≥100 cm (M) | 20 | |
| Physical Activity | Regular exercise + manual work | 0 |
| Either exercise or manual work | 20 | |
| No exercise and sedentary work | 30 | |
| Family History of Diabetes | No family history | 0 |
| One diabetic parent | 10 | |
| Both diabetic parents | 20 |
Risk Stratification Based on IDRS
The IDRS categorizes individuals into three risk groups:
- Low Risk: IDRS < 30
- Moderate Risk: IDRS 30–50
- High Risk: IDRS ≥ 60
IDRS and Blood Sugar Testing Efficiency
Studies have shown that:
- The mean IDRS rises significantly from normal (48) to prediabetes (57) to diabetics (61). [1-3]
- Limiting blood sugar testing to those with an IDRS ≥ 50 could identify over 90% of individuals with diabetes or prediabetes.[1-3]
- The Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) showed the strongest (5-fold risk) association with incident diabetes─ higher than obesity or hypertension. [4-6] Obesity and abdominal obesity conferred a 2-fold risk of diabetes, whereas hypertension conferred a 3-fold risk of diabetes.[2,3]
Beyond Diabetes: IDRS and Cardiometabolic Health
Higher IDRS scores have also been linked with:
- Increased risk of Metabolic Syndrome
- Higher Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk, even among those without diabetes or prediabetes
This underscores the broader utility of IDRS in predicting overall metabolic health.
IDRS and Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis
Research also indicates that IDRS helps distinguish Type 2 Diabetes from non-Type 2 Diabetes, making it an effective first-line tool in community-based screening programs.
Conclusion
References
1. Mohan V, Sandeep S, Deepa M, Gokulakrishnan K, Datta M, Deepa R. A diabetes risk score helps identify metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk in Indians – the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study (CURES-38). Diabetes, obesity & metabolism. May 2007;9(3):337-343.
2. Mohan V, Deepa M, Farooq S, Narayan KM, Datta M, Deepa R. Anthropometric cut points for identification of cardiometabolic risk factors in an urban Asian Indian population. Metabolism. Jul 2007;56(7):961-968.
3. Mohan V, Deepa M, Farooq S, Prabhakaran D, Reddy KS. Surveillance for risk factors of cardiovascular disease among an industrial population in southern India. Natl Med J India. Jan-Feb 2008;21(1):8-13.
4. Mohan V, Deepa M, Anjana RM, Lanthorn H, Deepa R. Incidence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in a selected urban south Indian population (CUPS-19). J Assoc Physicians India. Mar 2008;56:152-157.
5. Mohan V, Sandeep S, Deepa M, Gokulakrishnan K, Datta M, Deepa R. A diabetes risk score helps identify metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk in Indians – the Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiology Study (CURES-38). Diabetes, obesity & metabolism. May 2007;9(3):337-343.
6. Mohan V, Deepa R, Deepa M, Somannavar S, Datta M. A simplified Indian Diabetes Risk Score for screening for undiagnosed diabetic subjects. J Assoc Physicians India. Sep 2005;53:759-763.
7. Sharma KM, Ranjani H, Nguyen H, et al. Indian Diabetes Risk Score helps to distinguish type 2 from non-type 2 diabetes mellitus (GDRC-3). J Diabetes Sci Technol. Mar 2011;5(2):419-425
Post comment