Metabolic Syndrome With Concomitant Anaemia Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Volta Region of Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Anaemia and metabolic syndrome (MetS) worsen the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), leading to increased diabetes-related complications. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of anaemia-MetS comorbidity in individuals with T2DM in the Ho municipality.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and October 2022 at the Ho Municipal Hospital, targeting patients aged ≥ 20 years with T2DM who were conveniently selected from the diabetic clinic. Data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected using semistructured questionnaires. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were performed. Fasting blood samples were obtained to measure glucose, lipid profile and haemoglobin (Hb) levels. MetS was defined using the harmonized criteria, and anaemia was defined according to WHO gender-specific cut-offs. Logistic regression models were utilized to determine factors associated with anaemia alone and anaemia-MetS comorbidity.

Results: A total of 193 participants were enrolled (61.7% female). The prevalence of MetS was 64.8% (n = 125), while anaemia prevalence was 23.8% (n = 46). Anaemia-MetS comorbidity was observed in 33 participants (17.1%). Anaemia with elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG) was the most frequent combination (23.8%). In the multivariable analysis, female sex was significantly associated with higher odds of anaemia-MetS comorbidity in the sociodemographic model (OR = 3.51; 95% CI: 1.34-10.31), but this association was attenuated after full adjustment. Current alcohol consumption was independently associated with substantially reduced odds of anaemia-MetS comorbidity in the fully adjusted models (OR = 0.10; 95% CI: 0.01-0.54).

Conclusion: Anaemia-MetS comorbidity was common among patients with T2DM. Alcohol consumption was associated with lower odds of comorbidity, suggesting a potential protective effect that warrants further investigation. Female sex may confer increased risk, though this relationship is confounded by lifestyle and clinical factors.