Metabolic syndrome among patients with type 2 diabetes in Jordan: A cross-sectional study

Metabolic syndrome is a major public health problem worldwide and an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its individual components among Jordanian patients with T2DM. A cross-sectional design was conducted among T2DM patients at the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics in Jordan. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and clinical data extracted from medical records. The National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) diagnostic criteria were used to define metabolic syndrome. Among 1017 participants aged between 22 and 90 years, the overall prevalence of IDF defined metabolic syndrome was 84.2% (72.5% and 96.2% among males and females, respectively). Using ATP III criteria, overall prevalence was 79.1% (77.4% and 80.8% among males and females, respectively). Advancing age, female gender, nonadherence to a diet regimen, sedentary lifestyle or insufficient physical activity, and duration of diabetes ≥10 years were significantly associated with increased odds of metabolic syndrome, regardless of the definition used. Current smoking status and family history of cardiovascular diseases were significantly associated with increased likelihood of ATP III defined metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Jordanian patients with T2DM is extremely high. The main modifiable risk factors of metabolic syndrome among these patients include nonadherence to a diet regimen, insufficient physical activity, being overweight/obese and smoking. It is recommended that healthcare providers counsel patients on the importance of maintaining physical activity, smoking cessation, and adherence to a diet regimen.