Metabolic syndrome distribution based on diagnostic criteria and family history among adults in Al-Basra, Iraq

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a collection of cardiovascular risk factors induced by insulin resistance and an inflammatory state that increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and a variety of cardiovascular disorders. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to determine the distribution of MetS by diagnostic criteria and family history among adults in Al- Basra province, southern Iraq. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Al- Fiaha Specialized Diabetes, Endocrine, and Metabolism Center (FDEMC) from October 2(nd), 2022, to May 1(st), 2023. Following ethical approval, data was obtained using a pre-tested questionnaire. All patient information was obtained from direct interviews as well as FDEMC’s digital records, which controlled patient data via a Microsoft Access program and an internal network. RESULTS: This study included 476 people, aged 19 to 89. The sample had an equal number of males and females (238). MetS was identified in 247 people in the entire sample using the International Diabetes Federation criteria. The proportion of participants with a family history was as follows: obesity (30.0%), hypertension (44.1%), diabetes mellitus (46.6%), and cardiovascular disease (9.3%). The diagnostic criteria for MetS were as follows: high wc (94.3%), elevated glucose (69.6%), reduced highdensity lipoprotein (HDL) (80.2%), elevated TG (40.5%), and hypertension (71.7%). Controlled on glycemic status (21.1%), hypertension (61.9%), and lipids (44.1%). CONCLUSION: Large wc, reduced HDL, and family histories of obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or cardiovascular disease are the most important risk factors for MetS. Participants with MetS have difficulties controlling their blood sugar, but they regulate the other MetS components.