DISORDERS OF LIPID AND GLUCOSE METABOLISM IN THE OIL INDUSTRY WORKERS OF KHARG ISLAND

Introduction: In order to determine the relationship between serum lipid profile and diabetes mellitus as well as other cardiovascular risk factors, we carried out a cross-sectional study of 1255 oil industry workers at the Kharg Island oil terminal. Methods: Increased levels of total cholesterol (TC≥200mg/dl), triglyceride (TG≥200mg/dl), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL≥130mg/dl) were seen in 32.7%, 39.5% and 18.5% of the workers, respectively. Decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL 100cm) was seen 32.4% of workers. Results: There was a direct and significant relationship between TC levels and BMI (p<0.001), and between TG levels and BMI (p<0.0001). The same correlation existed between waist circumference and both TC (p<0.02) and TG (p<0.06). There was also a direct correlation between LDL levels and waist circumference (p<0.04). 10.6% of workers had some disorder of glucose metabolism. There was a direct correlation between diabetes and both TC and HDL levels (p<0.04 and p<0.05, respectively). 42.4% of workers smoked and 57.4% had a sedentary lifestyle. There was a trend toward lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels as the level of physical activity increased (p=0.1 and p=0.08, respectively). There was a significant difference between blue- and white-collar workers in the prevalence of excess weight, visceral obesity, diastolic hypertension, diabetes and cigarette smoking, but not serum lipid profile and level of physical activity. Conclusion: The significant prevalence of dyslipidaemia and other cardiovascular risk factors in the oil workers of Kharg Island requires systematic preventive interventions to reduce cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in this population.