Evaluation of risk factors/prevalence of insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and central-obesity in people living with HIV/AIDS at the Bamenda Regional Hospital

Abstract

Despite the advancement and benefits of antiretroviral therapy in recent years since its introduction, it has also resulted in complications such as metabolic syndrome like insulin resistance. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome in people living with HIV/AIDS (on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) and HAART-naïve) at the Bamenda Regional Hospital. 273 participants were consecutively recruited; 191 were HAART-exposed, and 82 were HAART-naïve. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were conducted under standard conditions. Fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, and High-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), were determined spectrophotometrically. Chi-square (χ2) and odd ratios were used to compare the prevalence of the metabolic syndromes between cases and controls at a 99% confidence interval. The study recorded a prevalence of 24.2%, 3.66%, 38.1% and 39.56% for insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and central obesity, respectively. HAART-naïve were significantly about twice at risk of developing decreased HDL compared to the HAART-exposed group [OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.14-3.66; P=0.015]. However, HAART-treatment duration ≥10 years was significantly associated with hyperglycemia. The type of HAART regimen also showed a significant association with increased central obesity. It is evident from this study that the following risk factors of metabolic syndrome are common among HIV/AIDS patients: lower HDL, central obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, and age≥50 years. This, therefore, highlights the importance of these patients regulating their lifestyle since there is a rising risk of developing metabolic syndromes among them.