Globalization of risk factors is the new trend leading to non-communicable diseases and Diabetes ranks fourth. Diabetes owes its major importance to the fact that it is a silent killer which leads to serious sequel reducing the quality of life. Early detection of diabetes by suitable screening methods helps to delay the micro and macrovascular complications, thereby reducing the clinical, social, and economic burden of the diseases. To assess diabetes risk using IDRS and other associated factors. A cross-sectional study was done in an urban slum in Mysuru with 136 participants aged >18 years and no history of diabetes. Data was collected using a pre-designed questionnaire after taking written informed consent. Diabetes risk was assessed using MDRF’s IDRS. Data was entered in MS Excel and analysed using IBM SPSS v24. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Mean age of the study participants was 45.24±15.59 years. BPL card holders were 99 (72.8%). As per IDRS 49 (36.0%), 41 (30.1%) and 46 (33.8%) had a low, moderate and high risk for diabetes mellitus. Age, marital status, education, having BPL card and IDRS score of study participants were statistically significantly associated. According to IDRS 49 (36.0%), 41 (30.1%) and 46 (33.8%) had a low, moderate and high risk for diabetes mellitus, which is moderate to high. Measures like yoga and creating awareness about risk factors need to be taken to reduce the risk. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; IDRS; risk factor