Methods: In a population-based cohort study initiated in 2007, a sample of 1223
adults > 25 years of age from two villages of Pondicherry were selected using cluster
random sampling. Data on risk factor exposure were collected using a structured
questionnaire, anthropometric tests and fasting blood glucose assessment. During
house visits, 1223 of 1403 invited subjects participated. Of these, 71 (5.8%) were
found to have diabetes. In 2010–2011, 85% of the non-diabetics (979/1152) were
followed up using the same protocol. We calculated the risk of T2DM per annum
standardized by age and sex. Population estimates of the risk factors associated
with T2DM were analysed using the Generalized Estimating Equation model and
the Population Attributable Risk (PAR) for T2DM calculated.