Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and prediabetes in an urban population of Guayaquil, Ecuador

AimsTo determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and prediabetes in a population of the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador, aged 55–65 years; to observe if there are differences in prevalence between males and females, and to describe the frequency with which each component of the metabolic syndrome is found in this population.Materials and methodspopulation-based cross-sectional study in Guayaquil. We recruited people of both genders, with ages ranging from 55 to 65 years. Through clinical history, physical examination and laboratory tests, we obtained necessary data to diagnose metabolic syndrome and/or prediabetes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS® 22.Resultswe obtained a sample of 213 patients, 64.5% were females and 35.5% were males. Mean age was 60.3 years (±3.1). A total 65.8% of patients had increased waist circumference, and 45% were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Hypertriglyceridemia was the most prevalent condition in males, while women more commonly had low HDL. Prediabetes was diagnosed in 45.9% of our patients, and 19.5% had both disorders. There was no significant difference on metabolic syndrome prevalence between genders, but prediabetes was significantly more common in women.Conclusionwe found a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and prediabetes in Guayaquil, higher than what was reported in other areas. Abdominal obesity is even more prevalent. Women have prediabetes more frequently than men. Our patients, given their age, are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline by having metabolic syndrome and/or prediabetes.