Table 2

Features of the metabolic syndrome74

Feature*Definition
Central obesityWaist circumference: ≥94 cm for men and ≥80 cm for women (ethnicity specific measurements)
Impaired fasting glucose>5.6 mmol/L or on treatment
Hypertriglyceridemia>1.7 mmol/L or on treatment
Low HDL cholesterol<1.0 mmol/L for men or on treatment
<1.3 mmol/L for women or on treatment
Hypertension>135/85 mm Hg or on treatment
  • Definition from 2009 joint interim statement of the International Diabetes Federation Task Force on Epidemiology and Prevention; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; American Heart Association; World Heart Federation; International Atherosclerosis Society; and International Association for the Study of Obesity.

  • *The metabolic syndrome is present with any three of the features shown in the table.

  • HDL, high-density lipoprotein.