Metabolic Comorbidities Among Relatives of Type 2 Diabetes Patients Stratified by Weight: Implications for Prevention and Care.

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes, affecting 18.3% of young adults in Mexico (6), is influenced by both genetic factors and shared unhealthy habits within families.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the metabolic abnormalities in relatives of people with T2D, stratified by body mass index.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This observational, descriptive study was conducted at the Center for Comprehensive Care for Patients with Diabetes (CAIPaDi). The study involved relatives of participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), recruited between June 2017 and December 2020. The relatives were people without diabetes, including spouses, siblings, offspring, or close family members aged 18 to 65 who spent over four days a week with the patient. Exclusion criteria included relatives diagnosed with diabetes, smokers, or any individual from a patient-relative pair that was excluded. All participants underwent laboratory tests and body measurements. Relatives were classified into three groups based on body weight: normal weight, overweight, and obesity. The relatives attended four monthly visits and then annual evaluations. Ethical approval was obtained.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 220 relatives of people with T2DM, 69% women, median age 49±12 years; 19.5% with normal weight, 40.4% overweight, and 40% with obesity. Prediabetes (39.4%), dyslipidemia (67.2%), and abnormal liver function tests (32.2%) were prevalent. Higher levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol were associated with increased risk for comorbid conditions. Anxiety and depression showed no significant differences across weight categories.

CONCLUSION

These results highlight the importance of overweight and obesity as factors associated with the presence of comorbidities and the metabolic syndrome. It is essential to implement strategies to promote healthy habits among family members of people with diabetes, especially in those who are overweight or obese to reduce the risk of developing future metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.