Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a group of metabolic disorders, which its prevalence is growing worldwide and increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, the metabolic syndrome status was investigated based on the NCEP/ATP III criteria in individuals at risk for diabetes.

Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 514 individuals at risk of diabetes (20 to 60 years old), who referred to Amir-Al-Momenin Hospital of Ahvaz, entered the study based on inclusion and exclusion and using convenience sampling method. Data collection tools were demographic characteristics questionnaire, and anthropometric data entry checklist, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and blood biomarkers (blood sugar, fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, etc.). In this study, MS was evaluated based on NCEP /ATP III criteria, which the presence of three or more than five criteria was indicative of the existence of this syndrome. Data analysis was performed using independent t-, Chi-square, and Pearson correlation tests at a significance level of 95%.

Results: In this study, the most common ATP III criterion was abdominal obesity in patients at risk for diabetes. In general, 1.75% of statistical population had MS. Also, the prevalence of MS in women at risk for diabetes and non-employees was significantly higher. Also, there was a significant correlations between waist circumference and all the parameters, except FBS.

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the prevalence of MS in people at risk for diabetes is very high in the city of Ahvaz. Therefore, the risk of type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases is very high in these individuals and requires serious corrective measures and special attention of health policy makers to this group.