Primary Care Diabetes
Volume 3, Issue 1 , Pages 49-56, February 2009

Is having a family history of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease a predictive factor for metabolic syndrome?

  • Alison J. Dunkley

      Affiliations

    • Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, United Kingdom
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author at: Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, 22-28 Princess Road West, Leicester LE1 6TP, United Kingdom. Tel.: +44 116 252 3212; fax: +44 116 252 5413.
    • ,
  • Nicholas A. Taub

      Affiliations

    • Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, United Kingdom
    • ,
  • Melanie J. Davies

      Affiliations

    • Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, United Kingdom
    • ,
  • Margaret A. Stone

      Affiliations

    • Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, United Kingdom
    • ,
  • Kamlesh Khunti

      Affiliations

    • Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, United Kingdom

Received 27 November 2008; accepted 1 February 2009. published online 06 March 2009.

Abstract 

Aims

To determine whether a first degree family history (FH) of diabetes and/or a first degree FH of cardiovascular disease (CVD), can predict prevalent cases of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Also, to establish if the association is different for South Asians compared to White Europeans, and for obese compared to non-obese individuals.

Methods

Cross-sectional data were analysed for a mixed-ethnic cohort of 3094 at-risk individuals, aged 40–75 years (29% South Asian), who were screened in Leicestershire (UK) for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes using an oral glucose tolerance test. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between FH and prevalent MetS, including adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

Prevalence of MetS was 39%. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) showed that only a FH of CVD (OR 1.41, 95%CI: 1.18–1.68, p<0.001) was significantly associated with prevalent MetS. Interaction analysis showed no effect modification for obesity and ethnicity. We did not find any association for a FH of diabetes.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that a first degree FH of CVD predicts prevalent cases of MetS in a mixed-ethnic population. Evidence of an association may help to identify individuals who should be targeted for screening and early prevention of type 2 diabetes and CVD.

Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, Family history, Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease

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PII: S1751-9918(09)00006-0

doi:10.1016/j.pcd.2009.02.002

Primary Care Diabetes
Volume 3, Issue 1 , Pages 49-56, February 2009

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