Metabolic Syndrome among urban slum population of Pune City: A pilot study

Background: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multiplex risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. It is proven that genetic and certain modifiable factors are responsible for the syndrome. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of MetS in the high-risk urban slum population of Pune city and its association with various risk factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among high-risk people for type 2 diabetes mellitus in the field practice area of the Urban Health Training Centre of a private medical college, Pune, India. Variables like age, waist circumference, and blood pressure (BP) and fasting parameters like triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and blood glucose after 12 h overnight fast were tested. Results: Prevalence of MetS was 26.6%. It was maximum in the higher age group (53%), housewives (36.7%), subjects with secondary education (36.7%), and in the socioeconomic lower class (36%). Abdominal obesity, high TGs, low HDL, high BP, and raised blood glucose significantly contributed to an increased risk of MetS. Conclusion: The study shows that identification of even a single component of MetS should be considered and accordingly subject should be counseled to prevent further progression of the disease.