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.
Objectives: The present research was aimed to study the prevalence and predictors of MS among outpatients with substance dependence.
Materials and 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.
Conclusion: 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.
Keywords: Alcohol; metabolic syndrome; opioid; substance dependence.