Prevalence and determinants of metabolic syndrome among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Buea Health District, South West Region, Cameroon

Introduction: metabolic syndrome is a clustering of key cardiovascular risk factors, including abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. Individuals with a combination of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a greater risk of developing microvascular and macrovascular complications, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. This study sought to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among patients with T2DM in Buea Health District and evaluate its correlation with glycemic control. Methods: a hospital based cross-sectional study was carried out in the Buea Health District from February to May 2024. One hundred and thirty-nine patients with T2DM were recruited by a systematic sampling. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical data were collected. Evaluation of anthropometric variables, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, and glycated hemoglobin was performed. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: a total of 139 patients with T2DM were recruited in this study with a mean (SD) age of 59.5 ± 10.95 years. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 64.00% and 56.80% using the International Diabetes Federation and National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel criteria, respectively. The prevalence was significantly higher in women (56.81%). Central obesity, hyperglycemia, and hypertension were the most common components of metabolic syndrome, and they were more prevalent in female patients. Patients with T2DM who were females, older, who consumed alcohol, did not practice self-glucose monitoring, and had poor glycemic control were more likely to have metabolic syndrome (p < 0.05). Conclusion: this study observed a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome among patients with T2DM in Buea, Cameroon. Lifestyle changes and good glycemic control are recommended for the prevention of metabolic syndrome in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.