Comparing the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among a bi-national sample of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans

Background: Mexican-Americans are disproportionately burdened by metabolic syndrome, a medical condition characterized by the concurrence of abnormalities that contribute to diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. This is alarming due to their population growth and demographic profile (e.g. less educated, poor, and uninsured). Thorough understanding of health outcomes among Mexican-Americans requires comparative analyses to their Mexican counterparts residing in Mexico. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome between Mexicans and Mexican-Americans. Methodology: The bi-national sample comprised of 259 Mexicans (Toluca and El Oro, Mexico) and Mexican-Americans (Laredo and Bryan, Texas) with type2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome was measured using ethnic-specific criteria established by the International Diabetes Federation. Results: The majority of participants were Mexican (57.9%) and female (77.6%). The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 79.7%; 85.0% among Mexican-Americans and 75.7% among Mexicans (χ²₍₁₎=3.38,p=0.069). Mexican-Americans also had higher prevalence of hypertension (χ²₍₁₎=13.548,p=0.001) and central obesity (χ²₍₁₎=6.49,p=0.011). Mexican-American females had the highest prevalence of central obesity (χ²₍₃₎=18.77,p=0.001) and metabolic syndrome (χ²₍₃₎=9.23,p=0.026), while Mexican males had the lowest prevalance of abnormal high-density lipoprotein levels (χ²₍₃₎=26.32,p=0.001). Conclusion: According to this comparative analysis, Mexican-Americans experience greater health complications than genetically-similar Mexicans. Results provide firm basis for future studies and eventual prevention/management strategies against metabolic syndrome in both nations.