Metabolic syndrome among diabetics and pre-diabetics of Jenu Kuruba tribe in Mysore district (JKDHS-2)--An evidence of metabolic abnormalities leading to increase in CVD's among Jenu Kuruba tribal population.

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of clinical and metabolic abnormalities. In diabetics, other components of metabolic syndrome are an added risk factor for cardiovascular disease and all these cause mortality. Epidemiological transition is happening all over the world and tribes are not spared either. Identifying the extent of metabolic syndrome and its components in diabetics is vital for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and other morbidities.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among diabetics and pre-diabetics of Jenu Kuruba tribe and compare the mean values of various components of metabolic syndrome among diabetics and pre-diabetics.

METHODS

A community based cross sectional study was carried out among 7500 Jenu Kuruba tribal population in two phases. In phase I, total of 7500 subjects were screened for diabetes and hypertension and in phase II, a total of 249 diabetics and 310 pre-diabetics were identified and evaluated for metabolic syndrome.

RESULTS

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was estimated using NCEP ATP-III criteria. Metabolic syndrome was found in 84 (33.7%) of diabetics and 113 (36.4%) of pre-diabetic study subjects. Metabolic syndrome was highest in the 41-50 year age group. Lipid parameters such as total cholesterol, triglycerides and VLDL were significantly higher and HDL levels were significantly lower among subjects with metabolic syndrome as compared to subjects without metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

One third of diabetics and pre-diabetics had definable metabolic syndrome. Dyslipidemia is a significant component of metabolic syndrome. Epidemiological transitions are happening among Jenu Kuruba tribes and non-communicable diseases are on the raise among them.