Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of the most dangerous risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D deficiency may have a role in MetS. The purpose of this study was to determine some of the factors of MetS including abdominal obesity, hypertension (HTN), and impaired fasting blood glucose (IFG) according to the new IDF (International Diabetes Federation) definition among the employed women in the administrative section of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences in 2012.

Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in 2012. Women were selected by census method (N=161). The formal consent was received individual questionnaire was completed for each part icipant. Blood pressure and anthropometric indices including height, weight and waist circumference were measured using standard equipment. Participants were asked for taking fast blood sample in a special private laboratory. HTN, abdominal obesity, and impaired fasting glucose or diabetes mellitus were detected by IDF criteria. Vitamin D was detected equal or more than 31 ng/dl as adequate and less was considered as deficiency or insufficient.

Results: Results showed that 6% of participants have sufficient vitamin D and 94% of them had vitamin D deficiency. Accompaniment of vitamin D concentration and fasting blood glucose was observed. The mean level of vitamin D in individuals at risk of raised blood pressure, IFG and central obesity was lower compared to the normal individuals. The prevalence of HTN, central obesity and IFG were 16.6%, 84.5% and 26.6%, respectively.

Conclusion: Accompaniment of vitamin D concentration and fasting blood glucose may be a predicator of diabetes mellitus. High prevalence of HTN, central obesity and IFG are alarming, because they will increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes in future.