Exploring the Prevalence and Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Sub-Saharan African Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Musilanga Nelson , Nasib Hussein , Jackson Given , Shayo Frank , Nhanga Clarkson , Girukwigomba Saleh , Mwakibolwa Ambokile , Henry Samson , Kijusya Keneth , Msonge Edgar 
Published: February 2024

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome represent two closely intertwined public health challenges that have reached alarming epidemic proportions in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the weighted pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa as defined by the 2004 National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP III 2004) and/or the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted to retrieve studies published in the English language on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among type 2 diabetic individuals in sub-Saharan Africa. Searches were carried out in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, African Index Medicus and African Journal Online from their inception until July 31, 2023. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the weighted pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome in sub-Saharan Africa. Evidence of between-study variance attributed to heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q statistic and the I2 statistic. The Joanna Briggs Institute quality appraisal criteria were used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies. The summary estimates were presented with forest plots and tables. Publication bias was checked with the funnel plot and Egger’s regression test.

Results

Overall, 1421 articles were identified and evaluated using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and 30 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the final analysis. The weighted pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa was 63.1% (95% CI: 57.9 – 68.1) when using the NCEP-ATP III 2004 criteria and 60.8% (95% CI: 50.7 – 70.0) when using the IDF criteria. Subgroup analysis, using NCEP-ATP III 2004 and IDF criteria, revealed higher weighted pooled prevalence among females: 73.5% (95% CI: 67.4-79.5), 71.6% (95% CI: 60.2-82.9), compared to males: 50.5% (95% CI: 43.8-57.2), 44.5% (95% CI: 34.2-54.8) respectively. Central obesity was the most prevalent component of metabolic syndrome, with a pooled prevalence of 55.9% and 61.6% using NCEP-ATP III 2004 and IDF criteria, respectively. There was no statistical evidence of publication bias in both the NCEP-ATP III 2004 and IDF pooled estimates.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the alarming prevalence of metabolic syndrome among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, it is essential to promote lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise and balanced diets, prioritize routine obesity screenings, and implement early interventions and robust public health measures to mitigate the risks associated with central obesity.