Reduced risk of metabolic syndrome due to regular intake of vegetables rich in antioxidants among African type 2 diabetics

BackgroundAntioxidant nutrients found in vegetables are thought to prevent chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS).ObjectiveWe evaluated the prevalence of MetS and the association of antioxidants and cardiovascular risk factors with risk of MetS among patients with T2DM from General hospital of Kinshasa, DRC.MethodsThis cross-sectional study using a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. MetS was defined using criteria of IDF/Europids, IDF modified for Africa and NCEP-ATP III. Risk factors of MetS (OR and 95% CI) was estimated using logistic regression, adjusting for confounding factors.ResultsOut of 244 T2 DM patients (56.6% of females) and 48 ± 16 years, 0%, 13%, 34.4%, 20.9%, and 11.9% were defined by never consuming fruits, never consuming vegetables, MetS/IDF Europids, MetS/IDF modified for Africa, and MetS/NCEP-ATP III. Females (OR = 5 95% CI 2–10; P < 0.01), High socioeconomic status (HSES, OR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.5–8.3; P = 0.005), and regular Cassava leaves intake (OR= 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.9; P = 0.027) were the independent determinants of MetS/IDF Europids. HSES (OR= 2.9, 95% CI 1.2–6.9; P = 0.015), physical inactivity (OR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.6–6; P = 0.03) and regular dry red beans intake (OR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.8; P = 0.016) were the independent determinants of MetS/IDF modified for Africa. Females (OR = 5, 95% CI 2–20; P < 0.001), HSES (OR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.5–8.3; P = 0.005) and regular Cassava leaves intake (OR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.9; P < 0.0001) were the independent determinants of MetS/NCEP-ATP III.ConclusionCassava leaves and dried red beans intake, rich in antioxidants, are protective factors against MetS presence, while females, HSES, and physical inactivity are independent risk factors of MetS.