The Metabolic Syndrome in an Elite African Community

ABSTRACT

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of metabolic disorders which increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes; two common causes of morbidity and mortality all over the world; with increasing incidence in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in an elite Nigerian community and determine independent predictors of the condition. A cross-sectional study was designed involving 200 members of the community. They responded to a structured questionnaire on their demographic parameters as well as medical and drug histories. Fasting blood glucose; triglycerides; LDL-cholesterol; HDL-cholesterol and Total cholesterol were measured. Blood pressure; BMI and waist circumference were also measured. Using the IDF definition i.e presence of central adiposity and two of raised TG (?1.7 mm/L); reduced HDL (1.03 mm/L in men and 1.29 mm/L in women); raised blood pressure (130 mmHg systolic or 85 mmHg diastolic; or an antihypertensive drugs); and raised fasting blood glucose (5.6mm/L or previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes); a total of 35 persons were found to have metabolic syndrome. The commonest lipid abnormality found was reduced HDL levels. Raised BMI was a strong predictor (18). The study shows that while the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is low in the community; a large number of people have central obesity and high BMI. It is important for stakeholders to create awareness on the need to keep fit. There is also a need to carry out more studies on independent determinants of metabolic syndrome and seek to understand the pathways by which it develops; so as to be able to address it's far reaching implications