Prevalence and correlates of metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetes patients: A cross sectional study at the provincial diabetes center in Meknes, Morocco

Problem considered Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a key contributor to cardiovascular complications among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, information regarding the prevalence and factors related to MetS among adults with T2D is scarce in Morocco. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of MetS and identify the risk and protective factors among adults with T2D in Meknes, Morocco. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 425 adult patients with T2D attending the provincial diabetes center in Meknes, Morocco. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and medical records. MetS was defined using the 2009 harmonized IDF/AHA/NHLBI criteria. Results Overall, 72.9% of participants met the criteria for MetS, with a higher prevalence in women (81.2%) than men (58.4%; p < 0.001). Overweight and obesity were the strongest risk factors (AOR = 14.25; 95% CI: 6.77–29.96; p < 0.001), followed by insufficient sleep (AOR = 2.44; p = 0.004) and a family history of cardiovascular disease (AOR = 2.64; p = 0.004). Protective factors included male sex (AOR = 0.13; p < 0.001), rural residence (AOR = 0.51; p = 0.029), higher education (AOR = 0.20; p = 0.029), adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AOR = 0.23; p = 0.003), and moderate to high physical activity (AOR = 0.23–0.31; p ≤ 0.022). Conclusion MetS is very common among adults with T2D in Meknes, with most risk factors being modifiable. There is a need for targeted interventions, especially among women, urban dwellers, and those with lower education, to reduce the burden of MetS.