Novel phenotypic markers and screening score for the metabolic syndrome in adult Asian Indians

Abstract

Aims The metabolic syndrome (MS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are common in Asian Indians. Simple yet reliable phenotypic markers are needed for early detection of the MS in Asian Indians. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 126 subjects either with of without the MS were compared. Anthropometric measurements (including assessment of novel phenotypic markers) and metabolic profile were done. Results On univariate analysis, age more than 35 year, female gender, presence of buffalo hump and double chin and family history of T2DM were significantly associated with the MS. A metabolic syndrome screening (MSS) score (1.0 × double chin + 1.2 × buffalo hump + 1.3 × gender + 1.4 × age category) was generated with a cutoff value of 3.5 out of total points of 4.9, with sensitivity and specificity 82% and 71% [area under the curve = 0.83; 95% confidence Interval (0.76–0.90)], respectively in detecting individuals with the MS. Conclusion We describe buffalo hump and double chin as novel phenotypic markers for detection of MS for the first time. The MSS score generated by us may be a useful tool for detection of MS in adult Asian Indians; however, it needs further validation in a larger sample of Asian Indians and in other ethnic groups.