Central adiposity and atherogenic lipids in Saudi diabetics

A high caloric intake from fat sources and prevailing obesity in the Saudi population prompted this study. Waist to hip circumference ratio (WHR), fasting cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin were measured in 76 non-insulin dependent adult Saudi diabetics. Serum LDL, HDL and VLDL were measured in 45 of these diabetics. WHR of Saudi diabetics was higher (0.98 in males, 0.91 in females) than reported for diabetics from the West. Serum cholesterol levels (5.52 mmol/L in males, 5.98 mmol/l in females) were higher than reported in the past for normal Saudi subjects. Lipid profile was strikingly different in the two sexes. Male diabetics (n=28) had significantly higher WHR associated with elevated triglycerides and VLDL but a lower HDL/cholesterol ratio. Female diabetics (n=48) were obese and had healthier HDL levels. Interestingly, LDL cholesterol changed reciprocally with WHR in female diabetics. This preliminary study reveals the presence of significant central adiposity and an atherogenic lipid profile in Saudi diabetics. The sex differences in lipids indicates the need for studies involving lipoprotein metabolism in Saudis. Further, an increase in atherosclerosis-related disorders should be expected in Saudi diabetics.