[ relationship between stressful life events and prevalence of metabolic syndrome in family members of type 2 diabetics]

Some evidences suggest a possible relationship between enviromental stresses and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome [MS]. To investigate the association between major stressful life events and the prevalence of MS. In this Cross-sectional study, the 35-55 years old first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetics were included. The questionairs of stressful life events, physical activity and basic characteristics were completed. Also, the waist circumference, blood pressure, FBS, TG, Chol, and HDL were measured. MS was defined according to ATP III criteria and the number of stresses was compared between two groups of participants with and without MS. Among 439 participants, the prevalence of MS was 26.8%. The mean number of stresses in MS and non-MS groups were [3.82 +/- 2.67] and [3.14 +/- 2.35], respectively. The difference was found to be significant, statistically [P=0.036]. Comparing the prevalence of MS in subjects with 8 or more stressful life events [46%] with those who experienced less than 8 stresses [23.4%] was indicative of a higher prevalence among the former [P=0.017]. Cosidering the possible association between stresses and the prevalence of MS, which in turn increases the risk of heart diseases, educating high risk people on how to cope with stresses may be of benefit in CVD prevention

[Relation between the number of major negative stressful life events and undiagnosed glucose metabolism disorders [IGT, diabetes] in first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetics]

Current evidence suggests that stressful experiences may affect both onset and exacerbation of type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess the relation between the number of stressful life events and prevalence of glucose metabolism disorders [IGT, Diabetes] In this cross sectional study, 35-55 year old first degree relatives of type 2 diabetics without history of diabetes were included. Questionaires of stressful life events, physical activity and basic chacteristics were completed. Waist and hip circumference was also measured and OGTT was performed in all patients. Of 477 participants, 288, 146 and 43 were normal, IGT and diabetics respectively; the mean number of stressful events for these groups was 3.15, 3.55, 3.91 [P=0.016], respectively. The prevalence of glucose metabolism disorders was 26.8 in those who reported no stress and 41.5% in participants with stressful events [p=0.03]. The prevalence of diabetes was 25.6% vs. 3.2% in subjects with 8 or more stressful events in comparison to subjects with less than 8 stressful events. Considering the probable contribution of stress in the development of diabetes, it is suggested to evaluate the relationship between stress and diabetes as well as the role of education on coping with stress in diabetes prevention, specially in high risk groups, in a more precise manner

[Prevalence and risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women of Isfahan, Iran]

There are limited studies concerning the prevalence of gestational diabetes [GDM] in Iran. This study was performed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for GDM in Isfahan, and to compare the results of selective and universal GDM screening methods. In a cross - sectional study conducted between June 2003 and March 2005, GDM universal screening [based on the Carpenter and Coustan criteria] was done for pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, referred to the Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center; 1112 pregnant women with no history of diabetes underwent 50 gr glucose challenge test [GCT]. Cases with blood sugar >/= 130 mg/dL were considered positive and underwent a 3-hour, 100 gr glucose tolerance test [OGTT]; this was also done randomly in some of negative GCT cases. OGTT was performed in 245 GCT - positive cases and 130 women with negative G.C.T, GDM was diagnosed in 67 and 6 women respectively, showing a total prevalence of 6.76% for GDM. Of all pregnant women, 23.2% were classified as a low-risk group, including only 2 diagnosed cases of GDM [2.7% of all GDM cases]. Among risk factors, only age, pre-pregnancy BMI and gravidity were significantly correlated with GDM. There is a moderate prevalence of GDM in Isfahan; a selective GDM screening method seems to be more appropriate for this community

[Prevalence of hypertension in Iranian urban and rural populations aged over 20 years in 2004]

Several studies have shown differences in HTN prevalence between urban and rural populations. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of HTN and the status of HTN awareness, treatment and control between Iranian urban and rural populations aged over 20 years. As a part of a nation-wide survey in 2004 on risk factors of non-communicable diseases, a cross-sectional study was performed on 75.132 adults aged over 20 years. In all participants, blood pressure was measured for twice in a standard method, followed by a collection of data on patients' awareness, treatment and control of HTN. The data were compared between urban and rural populations. The crude prevalences of HTN were 30.5% [CI 95%: 30.496- 30.50], 29.2% [CI 95%: 29.19-29.21], and age-adjusted prevalences were 26.09% [CI 95%: 26.086-26.094] and 26.03% [CI 95%: 26.015-26.025] for urban and rural populations, respectively. Rural residents were significantly less aware of HTN, its treatment and control than urban people. Considering the similarity of age-adjusted HTN prevalence between Iranian rural and urban communities, there is the same burden on our health system. With respect to the lower degree of HTN awareness and control in rural residents, and the integral role of rural health system in diminishing the mentioned difference, further developments are recommended for system

Hypertension and pre-hypertension: prevalence, awareness and management among Iranian adults older than 20 years

Hypertension [HTN] is an important worldwide challenge. The 7th report of the Joint National Committee [JNC7] provided the last classification of blood pressure levels and introduced the new category of prehypertension. The aim of this study was to estimate the national prevalence of HTN and prehypertension according to the JNC7 guideline and to determine the status of HTN awareness, treatment and control in Iranian adults aged older than 20 years. This cross-sectional study was a part of a nationwide survey on the risk factors for non-communicable diseases, which was conducted in 2004. In 75112 over 20 year old adults, two blood pressure measurements were obtained by a standard method and blood pressure levels were classified according to the JNC7 criteria. Data on patients' awareness, management and treatment of HTN were also collected. The age-adjusted prevalence of HTN and prehypertension was 25.3% and 49.7% in men, and 26% and 38% in women, respectively. Only 35% of hypertensive subjects were aware of their disease, and effective control was observed in 21.4% of them. Considering the high prevalence of HTN and prehypertension and the low awareness and effective control of HTN, our country is facing a serious health problem