Shuba Srinivasan1, Jyothi B. Lingegowda2, Ramkumar Kurpad R3, Prakash H. Muddegowda4, Niranjan Gopal5
INTRODUCTION
IDF definition of metabolic syndrome uses waist circumference as the main criteria without which metabolic syndrome cannot
be diagnosed. The IDF cut-offs for waist circumference is ethnicity specific, but there is a vast heterogeneity amongst South
Asians and within the Indian subcontinent itself.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 consecutive cases of diabetes in a medical college catering to predominantly
rural population who attended the Medicine Department OPD. Demographic data and anthropometric data with relevant
biochemical values were collected with patient’s permission and the study was conducted. The IDF criterion of cut-off for waist
circumference was solely used to identify the correlation between waist circumference and development of diabetes.
RESULTS
Study comprised of 55 males and 45 females with diabetes. 40% amongst males with diabetes had a waist circumference
below the cut-off for metabolic syndrome. Amongst females, 8% did not fit into the IDF criteria of waist circumference for
metabolic syndrome.
CONCLUSION
Many countries have proposed different cut-off values for waist circumference for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. India being
a heterogenous population requires region and population specific study to identify exact cut-off point. The authors believe 90
cm as waist circumference in males is too high and many metabolic syndrome cases are likely to be missed using this criteria.
