Are acculturated Mexican-americans at higher risk for metabolic syndrome?

Background: Mexican-Americans are disproportionately burdened by metabolic syndrome (MetS), a 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). Acculturative stressors associated with the US lifestyle have been shown to increase MetS risk. However, few studies have examined if Anglo-oriented Mexican-Americans, those who have adopted a western lifestyle, are at higher risk for MetS than those who conserve their Mexican cultural orientation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of MetS between Anglo-oriented and Mexican-oriented Mexican-Americans. Methodology: MetS was measured among 108 Mexican-Americans with type2 diabetes from Texas using ethnic-specific criteria established by the International Diabetes Federation. Acculturation was measured by generational status, years of US residency, and the Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican-Americans. Results: The majority of participants were female(79.8%), first-generation(80.4%), and Mexican-oriented(84.3%). Mean age and US residency were 49.8±10.7 and 27.7±16.0 years respectively. While the prevalence of MetS was high in this group, Anglo-oriented participants had higher glucose(F(1,101)=6.11,p=0.015), systolic BP(F(1,105)=4.81,p=0.030), and diastolic BP(F(1,105)=5.236,p=0.024) values than their Mexican-oriented peers. Prevalence of MetS was higher among first-generation Mexican immigrants(89.4%) than second-generation Mexican-Americans(70%,X²₍₁₎=4.982,p=0.026). Acculturation score was significantly associated with glucose(r=0.362,p=0.001), indicating acculturation increased the risk for diabetes. Conclusion: This comparative analysis revealed that greater health complications were experienced by Anglo-oriented Mexican-Americans and first-generation Mexican immigrants. Results provide firm basis for future studies and eventual prevention/management strategies to reduce MetS in this ethnic group.