Physical anthropologists study genetic variation and evolution of man and physical anthropology deals with the comparative biology of man; hence it occupies an important place in the field of human biology. Due to enormous increase in the perspectives of physical anthropology, it is difficult to give an acceptable universal definition. The foundations of modern physical anthropology, like those of modern biology, rest on neo-Darwinian theory, which provides the common background for a diverse discipline that lacks a common set of methods. Physical anthropologists recognize that the interaction between human culture and biology has shaped and maintained our species, and that full understanding of the processes responsible requires consideration of both biology and culture. A large number of studies have been conducted in different parts of the world, including India to find out the variation of the genetic markers in human blood, viz., (1) blood group polymorphisms: the ABO system, the Rh (D)system, the MNSs system, the Duffy system, the Lutheran system, the Kell system, the Kidd system, secretor and non-secretor system; (2) serum protein polymorphisms: haptoglobin system, transferring system, group specific component system, etc.; (3) enzyme polymorphism: red cell acid phosphatase system, phosphoglucomutase system, 6- phospogluconate dehydrogenase system, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase system, etc.; and (4) blood cell proteins: haemoglobin variants. The most recent trend in that direction is characterized by the studies at the molecular level (Roberts, 1991; Venkatramana et al., 2001; Duggirala et al., 2004; Arya et al., 2004; Reddy et al., 2005).
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Material and Methods
Chapter 3 Results and Discussion
Chapter 4 Summary and Conclusions
Chapter 5 References
Research Objectives and Focus
The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus among two specific endogamous populations, the Reddis and the Madigas, in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The study investigates the impact of demographic, environmental, and behavioral variables—such as physical activity levels, diet, and lifestyle transitions—on the prevalence of the disease and its associated metabolic risk factors, including obesity and lipid profiles.
- Prevalence of type 2 diabetes among Reddis and Madigas populations.
- Association between fasting plasma glucose and metabolic risk factors.
- Impact of urbanization and lifestyle transitions on disease patterns.
- Determining anthropometric cutoff values for BMI, WHR, and WC in the study population.
- Estimation of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome within the selected groups.
Excerpt from the Book
INTRODUCTION
Physical anthropologists study genetic variation and evolution of man and physical anthropology deals with the comparative biology of man; hence it occupies an important place in the field of human biology. Due to enormous increase in the perspectives of physical anthropology, it is difficult to give an acceptable universal definition. The foundations of modern physical anthropology, like those of modern biology, rest on neo-Darwinian theory, which provides the common background for a diverse discipline that lacks a common set of methods. Physical anthropologists recognize that the interaction between human culture and biology has shaped and maintained our species, and that full understanding of the processes responsible requires consideration of both biology and culture.
A large number of studies have been conducted in different parts of the world, including India to find out the variation of the genetic markers in human blood, viz., (1) blood group polymorphisms: the ABO system, the Rh (D)system, the MNSs system, the Duffy system, the Lutheran system, the Kell system, the Kidd system, secretor and non-secretor system; (2) serum protein polymorphisms: haptoglobin system, transferring system, group specific component system, etc.; (3) enzyme polymorphism: red cell acid phosphatase system, phosphoglucomutase system, 6-phospogluconate dehydrogenase system, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase system, etc.; and (4) blood cell proteins: haemoglobin variants. The most recent trend in that direction is characterized by the studies at the molecular level (Roberts, 1991; Venkatramana et al., 2001; Duggirala et al., 2004; Arya et al., 2004; Reddy et al., 2005).
Summary of Chapters
Chapter 1 Introduction: Provides an overview of physical anthropology and its evolution, highlighting the transition from studying genetic markers to focusing on the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, especially in the context of Indian population diversity.
Chapter 2 Material and Methods: Details the study design, including the selection of 600 subjects from Reddy and Madiga populations, and describes the standardized procedures used for data collection, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical analysis.
Chapter 3 Results and Discussion: Presents the findings regarding the prevalence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome in the studied populations, analyzing them in relation to various factors like age, BMI, physical activity, and socioeconomic status.
Chapter 4 Summary and Conclusions: Synthesizes the main research findings, confirming the alarming rise of type 2 diabetes and the synergistic impact of environmental and lifestyle factors, while calling for further region-specific epidemiological research.
Chapter 5 References: Provides a comprehensive list of scholarly sources and publications used to support the research findings.
Keywords
Type 2 diabetes, physical anthropology, metabolic syndrome, genetic variation, urbanization, anthropometry, lipid profile, epidemiology, India, Reddis, Madigas, body mass index, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this research?
The research focuses on assessing the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and its associated risk factors among two specific endogamous caste populations (Reddis and Madigas) in Andhra Pradesh, India.
What are the primary themes investigated in this work?
The central themes include the impact of urbanization, changing lifestyles, socioeconomic status, and genetic predisposition on the incidence of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
What is the core research goal?
The goal is to determine the prevalence of diabetes in these populations and to identify associations between fasting plasma glucose and various anthropometric and metabolic variables.
Which scientific methodologies are utilized?
The study employs a random sample technique for data collection, anthropometric measurements (height, weight, skin folds), biochemical analysis (blood glucose, lipids), and statistical tools such as discriminant analysis and ROC curve analysis.
What topics are covered in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the prevalence of diabetes, comparisons between rural and urban habitats, the impact of family history, and the use of anthropometric indices to predict diabetic risk.
Which keywords characterize this study?
The study is characterized by keywords such as diabetes prevalence, metabolic syndrome, genetic predisposition, urbanization, and anthropometric indicators.
Why are the Reddis and Madigas specifically studied?
They are studied as representative endogamous populations in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, allowing for a comparative analysis of health impacts within distinct social structures.
What conclusion does the author draw regarding the current diabetes situation?
The author concludes that diabetes has reached "pandemic" proportions in India due to rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes, necessitating urgent, targeted public health interventions.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Pakala Chandrasekhar Rao (Autor:in), 2007, Diabetes and Epidemiology. A Study on two Endogamous Populations of Andhra Pradesh, India, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/267911
