Agete Tadewos, Henock Ambachew and Demissie Assegu
Background: The co-existence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in individuals potentiate the cardiovascular risk associated with each of these mentioned circumstances. Hence investigating the presence of MetS and its individual components in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients is fundamental in order to minimize the risks of developing cardiovascular related morbidities. Objectives: This study aimed to assess pattern of metabolic syndrome in relation to gender among type-II DM patients in Hawassa University Comprehensive specialized Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 270 participants from March to November 2014. Structured questionnaires were used for appropriate data collection; blood glucose and lipid profiles were determined after overnight fasting. In addition, MetS was interpreted according to modified National cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel-III guideline and finally in all cases, at 95% confidence interval (CI), a P value <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of MetS was 45.9% and the proportion of MetS was significantly higher in women when compared to men (60.6% vs. 36.7%; p<0.0001), respectively. Elevated TGs was 68.1% and it was found to be the most frequently encountered MetS component followed by Low HDL-c (47%) other than hyperglycemia. Abdominal obesity and low HDL-c were significantly higher in women when compared to men (p<0.0001 for both). In addition, being women [AOR (95%CI): 4.1(1.5-10.9)], overweight [AOR (95%CI): 12(2.3-61.4)], and obesity [AOR (95%CI): 19.8 (3.1-124.7)], were significantly positively associated with MetS. Furthermore duration since the diagnosis of diabetes was also significantly associated with MetS. Conclusions: Applying comprehensive management approach in each abnormal component of MetS is a fundamental in order to minimize cardiovascular risks. In addition, cohort studies should be conducted to address others hidden factors that potentiate MetS.
