Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in an urban and rural adult population in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: To assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in an urban and rural population in Sri Lanka. Methods: A cross sectional study conducted in 3 health areas selected randomly, one in rural and 2 in urban. In each sector, 180 adults between 30-59 years equally from both sexes were included. Blood pressure, weight, height and waist circumference were measured in each participant. Fasting blood samples were taken to assess plasma glucose (FPG), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), insulin and HbA1C. Insulin resistance was detected by the homeostasis model assessment method (HOMA-IR). Results: From total 345 participants, 46.1% were men and 52.9% women. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 25.8% (23.9% in men and 27.4% in women; P = 0.27). Prevalence of each component of MetS in studied population was: 62.9% for central obesity, 28.1% for high TG, 35.9% for low HDL, 40% for high BP, 18.8% for high FPG, 3.9% for high HbA1C, 44.1% for overweight and 9.3% for obesity. Hypeinsulinaemia and insulin resistance was 26.9% and 22.3% respectively. Age, high BMI, waist circumference, FPG, TG, BP, HbA1C, insulin and low HDL significantly higher with subjects with MetS (P = 0.000). Hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance was significantly higher in rural sector, obese, centrally obese, high BP and high TG subjects. Conclusion: One fourth of study population had metabolic syndrome, hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome was strongly associated with hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance. Need urgent action to reduce risk in developing type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in this population.