Clinical spectrum of metabolic syndrome among the female population in the UAE

Background: Metabolic Syndrome refers to a group of acknowledged physical and metabolic illnesses that encompass abdominal obesity, low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperinsulinemia, and glucose intolerance. It demonstrated that metabolic syndrome is associated with various atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and is prone to developing type II Diabetes Mellitus. Essential Hypertension is considered an essential component of metabolic syndrome and it is highly prevalent in the UAE. Women's lifestyles regarding diet and exercise habits have changed in recent years. The evidence highlights the correlation between different components of metabolic syndrome and women’s lifestyle is lacking in the United Arab Emirates.

Aim of the study: This study elaborates on the association of the different components of metabolic syndrome and socioeconomic factors (age, occupation and race) that affect the health of women in the United Arab Emirates which aid in the development of healthcare interventions and policies required to control the risk factors linked to metabolic syndrome and its complications.

Patients and methods: This study used a record-based descriptive study design which was conducted on 501 female patients reported to the Internal Medicine department in Thumbay University Hospital Ajman from January 2022 till November 2023

Results: Our study showed that levels of triglycerides and blood glucose were correlated with occupation status. Hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia were more prevalent in unemployed individuals compared to employed (p=0.015) and (p=0.049) respectively, while Hypertension and obesity were more prevalent with increasing age groups (p<0.05). Low levels of HDL were more prevalent in patients who came from the East Mediterranean Region and Southeast Asian regions compared to other regions (p=0.041).

Conclusion: This retrospective analysis demonstrates the correlation of different components of metabolic syndrome with sociodemographic factors in women living in the United Arab Emirates.