The Association Between First-Degree Family History of Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Objective: Because they share genetic and environmental factors with patients with diabetes, the first-degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with diabetes exhibit early signs of metabolic abnormalities. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between family history of diabetes in FDRs and metabolic syndrome (MS), as well as changes in related risk factors. Methods: The present study population was a part of the baseline survey from the REACTION study. FDRs were defined as individuals having one or more FDRs with diabetes. MS and its components were defined according to the 2007 Joint Committee for Developing Chinese Guidelines. Results: A total of 2,692 individuals with an average age of 57.24 ± 8.35 years were enrolled in the present study. The prevalence of MS in FDRs (36.44%) was significantly higher than that in non-FDRs (25.28%; P<.001). FDRs accounted for 13.37%, 14.32%, 16.67%, 22.47%, 23.53%, and 25.58% of subjects with 0 to 5 MS components, showing an increasing trend (P for trend <.001). After adjusting for gender and age, partial correlation analyses showed significant associations of first-degree family history of diabetes with MS-related indexes (all P<.05). After adjusting for gender, age, lifestyle habits, and total metabolic traits, the first-degree family history of diabetes remained an independent factor that was positively associated with MS (odds ratio, 1.765; P<.001). Conclusion: A first-degree family history of diabetes predisposes individuals to developing MS and stands out as an independent risk factor for MS even without considering the subsequent effects of hyperglycemia. Abbreviations: BMI = body mass index; DBP = diastolic blood pressure; FDR = first-degree relative; FPG = fasting plasma glucose; HbA1c = glycated hemoglobin A1c; HDL-c = high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-c = low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol; MAP = mean arterial pressure; MS = metabolic syndrome; OR = odds ratio; SBP = systolic blood pressure; TC = total cholesterol; TG = triglyceride; WC = waist circumference; WHR = waist-to-hip ratio; 2hPG = 2-hour plasma glucose.