Epidemiological study of metabolic syndrome and risk of diabetes mellitus in a rural family medicine practice in Bacau County.

AIM: This descriptive epidemiological study included 615 subjects investigated by their family doctor in the interval October 2011- August 2012. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were selected according to 2012 IDF diagnostic criteria resulting 304 patients. RESULTS: There was a Gaussian distribution of waist circumference (WC) with a maximum in age-group 70-80 years (46.3%), followed by age- groups 50-60 years (37.8%) and 60-70 years (41.6%). Waist circumference measurement showed an average of 100.76 +/- 11.59 cm, ranges 72 cm - 134 cm, without statistical significance. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.25 +/- 4.72 kg/m2 vs. 27.79 +/- 4.48 kg/m2. The difference is statistically significant (p = 0.05). Considering categorical the patients with hypertension (AHT) according to the definition, we found that only 7 cases did not have AHT (4.4%) as compared to a prevalence of AHT of 13.7% in the MS (metabolic syndrome) group. Mean serum triglyceride level was 123.11 +/- 68.55 mg/dl versus 113.75 +/- 65.62 mg/dl in the MS group, significantly higher (p < 0.003). Mean HDL cholesterol was 57.58 +/- 17.11 mg/dl versus 58.54 +/- 15.02 mg/dl, statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of glucoregulation disorders is higher in the MS group. Proportional relationships were found between BMI, WC, and SBP and high blood glucose. Comparison of blood glucose levels at baseline and at 1 year follow up showed significant differences.

Stress: from symptom to disease.

AIM: To evaluate the presence and role of stress in causing diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a 6-month study in patients who presented for the first time with a series of symptom and tried to look for an organic cause of those symptoms. We wanted to see the impact of stress in everyday life and its role in causing various diseases. RESULTS: The obtained results showed a female predominance in terms of seeking medical advice and that the most affected age group was 20-30 years, accounted for by the start of socio-professional issues. The psycho-behavioural symptoms were the most prevalent, followed by the gastro-intestinal ones. The presence of stress had left its mark on these events, fact proven by the lower rate of organic pathology. CONCLUSIONS: Stress awareness must guide us in medical practice as to avoid under- or over-diagnosis.