Severe hypovitaminosis D is widespread and more common in non-diabetics than diabetics in Saudi adults

To compare the incidence of hypovitaminosis D in subjects, with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM], and determine its association to various risk factors. Three hundred and forty-one [177 non-diabetic, and 164 T2DM] Saudi adults were included in this cross-sectional study conducted at the Biomarkers Research Program [BRP] of King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from March to August 2009. Anthropometrics and fasting blood samples were obtained. Fasting glucose [FG] and lipid profiles were determined. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25[OH]D] and parathyroid hormone [PTH] were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Severe hypovitaminosis D was defined as serum 25[OH]D with levels <12.5 nmol/l. Age was the most significant predictor of 25[OH]D in both groups, explaining 25% [p=0.0005] and 16% of variances [p=0.0005]. Waist-hip ratio, systolic blood pressure and body mass index were significant predictors of 25[OH]D among non-diabetics after age adjustment, explaining 21% of variance perceived [p=0.039]. Serum PTH levels were higher in non-diabetic men and women. Severe hypovitaminosis D is prevalent in both non-diabetic and diabetic Saudis, but was more common in the young and middle-aged non-diabetics. The study further underscores the need for vitamin D fortification of the Saudi diet, and the promotion of vitamin D supplementation in both groups

Acute post cessation smoking. A strong predictive factor for metabolic syndrome among adult Saudis

To determine the influence of tobacco exposure in the development of metabolic syndrome [MS] in the adult Saudi population. Six hundred and sixty-four adults [305 males and 359 females] aged 25-70 years were included in this cross-sectional study conducted at the King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, between June 2006 and May 2007. We classified the participants into non-smokers, smokers, and ex-smokers [defined as complete cessation for 1-2 years]. All subjects were screened for the presence of MS using the modified American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute [AHA/NHLBI], International Diabetes Federation [IDF] and World Health Organization [WHO] definitions. Metabolic syndrome was highest among ex-smokers regardless of definition used. Relative risk for ex-smokers [95% CI: 2.23, 1.06-4.73] was more than twice in harboring MS as compared to non-smokers [95% CI: 2.78, 1.57-4.92] [p=0.009]. Acute post-cessation smoking is a strong predictor for MS among male and female Arabs. Smoking cessation programs should include a disciplined lifestyle and dietary intervention to counteract the MS-augmenting side-effect of smoking cessation

Apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I ratio in relation to various definitions of metabolic syndrome among Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

To assess if the apolipoprotein Apo B/Apo A-I ratio in Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus T2DM is associated with metabolic syndrome MetS. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 250 patients with T2DM, above 40 years of age, at King Abdulaziz University Hospital Diabetes Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between January and December 2006. Metabolic syndrome was defined, and compared according to 3 criteria, namely, National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III, International Diabetes Federation, and World Health Organization. In the 250 patients studied, all 3 definitions demonstrated significant increase in the Apo B/Apo A-I ratio, in Saudi type 2 diabetics with the MetS. There was a strong positive correlation between the Apo B/Apo A-I ratio and triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol r=0.43-0.54, p<0.0001, and a weak, yet significant, correlation r=0.14-0.21, p<0.05 with waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, fasting glucose, and hemoglobin A1c, however, not with body mass index r=0.01, p=0.88. In contrast, the ratio showed strong negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol r = -0.7, p < 0.0001. Apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I ratio is significantly associated with MetS in Saudi patients with T2DM, similar to observations made in other ethnic groups