The occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) significantly affects the course of diabetes mellitus (DM), resulting in deterioration of insulin sensitivity and metabolic control, as well as many cardiometabolic complications. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between cardiovascular biomarkers, nutritional status, dietary factors and the occurrence of MetS among 120 participants from northeast Poland (adolescents with type 1 DM and healthy peers). MetS was assessed using several criteria: nutritional status by anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis by bioelectrical impedance, and diet using a food diary and questionnaire. MetS was diagnosed in every third diabetic. Compared to healthy peers, MetS patients had higher total body fat (26% vs. 14%, p < 0.001) and visceral fat (77 cm2 vs. 35 cm2, p < 0.001), and lower total antioxidant status (1.249 mmol/L vs. 1.579 mmol/L, p < 0.001). Additionally, their diet was rich in saturated fatty acids, but low in dietary fiber as well as mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The group of diabetics reported many inappropriate eating behaviors. The combination of those with the presence of an excessive content of visceral fat tissue and abnormal values of MetS components may negatively affect metabolic control, thus accelerating the development of cardiometabolic complications.
Keywords: adolescents; antioxidant status; body composition; continuous glucose monitoring; diabetes type 1; insulin therapy; metabolic syndrome; nutrients intake; nutritional status; obesity.