Neck Circumference as a Novel Anthropometric Value for Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity in Patients with Diabetes

Background and Objective: Metabolic syndrome and obesity are known as important risk factors for cardiovascular disease which have a high frequency among diabetic patients. Central obesity in metabolic syndrome diagnostic criteria was determined as high waist circumference. But it is not always applicable. So introducing novel anthropometrics is crucial to accurate diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. This study was designed to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of neck circumference in central obesity and metabolic syndrome in a diabetic population of north of Iran.

Materials and Methods: In this diagnostic study adult patients with previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus was evaluated. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed based on Iranian National Committee of Obesity. Anthropometrics and lab data was collected during 4 years of study period and data was analyzed by Spearman correlation, Man-Whitney U test, and Chi Square test. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by drawing ROC curve.

Results: 2942 patients was included in the study. 794 patients (27%) were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Neck circumference was significantly higher in patients with metabolic syndrome and obesity (BMI≥30). It has also a positive correlation with waist circumference (r=0.656 in men and r=0.681 in women) and obesity (r=0.632 in men and r=0.661 in women) in all patients. Area under ROC curve for metabolic syndrome was 0.624 for men (95% CI= 0.576-0.672) and 0.663 for women (95% CI= 0.635-0.691).

Conclusion: Neck circumference can be introduced as a novel anthropometric value for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome.