Trends of Metabolic Syndrome Among Iranian Patients With Diabetes and Its Association With Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Complications: A Nationwide Study of the National Program for Prevention and Control of Diabetes Publisher Pubmed



Ghaemi F ; Hedayati F ; Esteghamati A ; Peysepar R ; Deravi N ; Meysamie A
Source: BMC Endocrine Disorders Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is highly prevalent among individuals with type 2 diabetes and is characterized by a combination of specific clinical parameters including abnormal blood lipid levels, impaired fasting glucose, elevated blood pressure, and excessive abdominal fat. This study aimed to investigate the trends in MetS prevalence and its components among patients with diabetes in Iran from 2015 to 2021 and explore its association with cardiovascular disease and diabetes complications. Methods: We conducted a nationwide trend analysis using data from 313,939 patients with diabetes enrolled in the National Program for Prevention and Control of Diabetes (NPPCD). Annual trends of Mets according to age and gender, annual trends of MetS components and the association between MetS and CVD, diabetic foot, neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: Overall, the prevalence of MetS in patients with diabetes increased from 60.3% in 2015 to 66.9% in 2021, with a total prevalence of 63.2%. Women (67.4%) and the 50–60 age group (66.0%) exhibited the highest rates. Among MetS components, fasting blood glucose > 100 mg/dL had the highest prevalence (89.5%), followed by low HDL (61.8%) and obesity (49.8%). AORs of association between MetS and cardiovascular disorder, diabetic foot, retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy were 1.826 (1.670–1.998), 1.343 (1.145–1.576), 1.376 (1.263-1.500), 1.587 (1.434–1.757), 1.613 (1.499–1.736), respectively. Conclusion: Prevalent cases of MetS among patients with diabetes in Iran and positive associations between MetS and cardiovascular disorder and diabetes complications highlights the need for targeted interventions focusing on glycemic control, obesity management, screening, health education, and better diabetic management, especially in high-risk groups. Future research should explore the impact of lifestyle modifications and policy-driven interventions in reducing MetS-related complications. Trial registration: Not applicable. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.