FREQUENCY OF METABOLIC SYNDROME AMONG PATIENTS WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS

BACKGROUND: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, and its prevalence has risen globally due to increasing urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and poor dietary habits. One of the major complications associated with T2DM is metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes itself. Metabolic syndrome includes abdominal obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, high triglycerides, and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The aim of this study was determine the frequency of metabolic syndrome among patients presenting with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and to explore its association with various demographic and biochemical factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 257 patients newly diagnosed with T2DM. Demographic data (age, gender, BMI, education status, residence) and biochemical markers (fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol) were collected. The presence of metabolic syndrome was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the association between demographic factors, biochemical markers, and metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 49.2 years (SD = 10.3), with 135 males (52.5%) and 122 females (47.5%). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 69.6%. Significant associations were found between metabolic syndrome and older age (p = 0.01), higher BMI (p = 0.003), lower education levels (p = 0.02), and elevated triglycerides (p = 0.02) and low HDL cholesterol (p = 0.03). Gender (p = 0.24) and residence (p = 0.33) did not show significant differences. Fasting plasma glucose levels (p = 0.11) were not significantly associated with metabolic syndrome in this population. CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent among newly diagnosed T2DM patients, with age, BMI, education level, and biochemical markers such as triglycerides and HDL being significant contributing factors. Targeted interventions addressing weight management, lipid control, and educational disparities may help reduce the burden of metabolic syndrome and associated cardiovascular risks in this population.