Metabolic syndrome among substance dependent men: A study from north India.
BACKGROUND
Substance abuse, alcohol in particular, is associated with increased risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MS). The relationship between the substance abuse and MS is complex and the literature is sparse.


OBJECTIVE
The present research was aimed to study the prevalence and predictors of MS among outpatients with substance dependence.


METHODS
Patients with substance dependence were recruited from a deaddiction center in North India, who attended outpatient clinic from 1(st) January, 2010-31(st) December, 2010. MS was assessed using International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria.


RESULTS
Out of 250 subjects, 34 (13.6%) of the subjects met the IDF criteria for MS and highest being in alcohol group (21.6%). The commonest abnormality was increased triglycerides (TG; 54%) and increased waist circumference (36.8%). Age, body weight, body mass index, and obesity were significant predictor of MS.


CONCLUSIONS
MS was highest in subjects with alcohol dependence with the commonest abnormality of TG and blood pressure. Hence, routine screening is advisable in this population to address emerging MS.
Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Surendra Kumar
SK
Mattoo
All India Institute of Medical Science, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Naresh
N
Nebhinani
Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Munish
M
Aggarwal
Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Debasish
D
Basu
Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Parmanand
P
Kulhara
Alcohol; metabolic syndrome; opioid; substance dependence