Table 1. Definition of metabolic syndrome according to the World Health Organization (WHO),2 the National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III),3 the European Group for the study of Insulin Resistance (EGIR)23 and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).5.
| Component of metabolic syndrome | WHO | EGIR | NCEP/ATP III | IDF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insulin resistance (IR) | + | + | ||
| Fasting blood glucose | ≥ 6.1 | ≥ 6.1 | ≥ 6.1 | ≥ 5.6 |
| (or impaired glucose tolerance)(mmol/L) | (≥7.8 or type 2 diabetes) | |||
| Waist circumference (cm) | Men > 0.9 | Men ≥ 94 | Men > 102 | Men 94 |
| or waist / hip ratio (WHR) | Women > 0.85 (WHR) | Women ≥ 80 | Women > 88 | Women ≥ 80, ethnically specific values |
| Body mass index (kg/m2) | > 30 | |||
| Triglycerides (mmol/L) | ≥1.7 | > 2.0 | ≥ 1.7 | ≥ 1.7 or specific therapy |
| HDL- cholesterol (mmol/L) | Men < 0.9 | < 1.0 | Men < 1.04 | Men < 1.02 |
| Women < 1.0 | Women < 1.29 | Women < 1.29 or specific therapy | ||
| Blood pressure (mmHg) | ≥ 140 / 90 | ≥ 140 / 90 | ≥ 130 / 85 | ≥ 130 / 85 or specific therapy |
| Number of components | IR or impaired fasting glucose or glucose intolerance + ≥ 2 others or microalbuminuria | IR +≥ 2 others | ≥ 3 | Central obesity + 2 others |