Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in a cohort of Sri Lankan women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Metabolic Syndrome is closely linked with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Sri Lankan post partum women with gestational diabetes. METHOD: Case-control cross-sectional analytical study. One Hundred and forty seven diabetics and 67 controls participated. Their history, anthropometry, fasting blood sugar and lipids were recorded. RESULTS: Diabetics: (n=147) Mean post partum duration was 60.6 weeks and age 34.39 5.0 years. Mean BMI 24.3 ñ 3.4,waist circumference >83.95cm (95th CI of controls) in 122(82.9 percent). 8 had established hypertension and another 18 were diagnosed by the study (JNC 7). 20 had established diabetes and a further 56 had FBS >100mg/dl; 24 had triglycerides>150mg/dl; 103 had HDL<50mg/dL Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome was 48.9 percent. Controls; (n=67) Mean post partum duration 70.7 weeks, current age 31.7 4.9 years. Mean BMI 21.65 ñ 3.8, waist circumference >83.95cm (95th CI of controls) in 29 (43.2 percent). Only one had established hypertension and another four were diagnosed. One had established diabetes and a further six had FBS >100mg/dl; four had Triglycerides >150mg/dl; 38 had HDL<50mg/dL Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome was 5.97 percent CONCLUSIONS: The Metabolic Syndrome has a prevalence of 48.9 percent among Sri Lankan women with gestational diabetes five years previously, which is significantly greater than among the controls.