Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in type 1 diabetes

The prevalence and impact of metabolic syndrome (MS) in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) remains to be established. Only one previous study in a caucasian population of Northern Europe attributes a prevalence of 31% of MS in T1DM. Several components of the syndrome may be observed in subjects with T1DM and potentially contribute to increased cardiovascular risk. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of MS using the recent IDF definition in caucasian subjects affected by T1DM with the prevalence estimated using the definition of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and compared the results with the prevalence of MS in the general population.The study included 277 consecutive T1DM subjects, 48% males and 52% females, median age 38 years, with duration of diabetes >15 years. The control group included 180 consecutive subjects who volunteered to participate in a screening for MS during the 2005 World Diabetes Day. Blood glucose, lipids, blood pressure, body mass index and waist were measured. Based on NCEP definition, the unadjusted prevalence of MS in T1DM was 15% (70% males, 30% females), 22% among males and 9% among females. Based on the IDF definition, the unadjusted prevalence of MS in T1DM was 25% (47% males, 53% females), 24% among males and 26% among females. Unadjusted prevalence of MS according to the NCEP classification in the general population was 27,1% (63% males, 27% females), 17% among males and 10% among females. Based on IDF criteria prevalence of MS in the general population was 38% (71% males, 29% females), 28% among males and 11% among females. The use of the IDF criteria for MS leads to a higher prevalence of this conditions compared to the NCEP classification. In contrast with what was previously reported in the Northern European population, the prevalence of MS in a Southern European population is higher in the control group than in T1DM subjects.