Background: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is defined as a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors, including central obesity, dysglycemia, hypertension (HPN), elevated triglycerides (TGs), and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). MS increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Objective: This study aims to estimate the prevalence of MS and its components among nondiabetic Libyan females using the definition proposed by National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III). Methods: A total of 122 randomly selected nondiabetic Libyan females were included in the study. Detailed medical history was obtained from all participants. Blood pressure, weight, height, waist and hip circumference were measured. Body mass index and waist–hip ratio were calculated. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and lipid profile were collected. Standard oral glucose tolerance test with 75 GM glucose was performed. The MS was defined by ATP III and International Diabetes Federation criteria. Results: According to NCEP definition, the prevalence of the MS in the study group was 42.6%. The most common component was abdominal obesity (67.2%). FBG was ≥ 100 mg/dl in 47.5%. The prevalence of both HPN and low HDL-C was 45.9%. About 26.2% of the participants have their TG ≥ 150 mg/dl; all were MS patients. Conclusions: The prevalence of MS and cardiovascular risk factors were high among Libyan females. Public health authorities and health-care providers should implement strategies for prevention, screening, and management of cardiovascular risk factors to reduce the burden of its potential complications
Hawa Juma El-Shareif(4-2018)

The pattern of diabetic deaths in the medical wards of Tripoli Medical Centre was retrospectively studied. During a three‐year period, 575 diabetic deaths occurred, accounting for 26.2% of all medical deaths. The mean age at death was 65.33±12.7 years. Cardiovascular disease (183 [31.8%]), cerebrovascular accidents (102 [17.7%]) and infection (83 [14.4%]) were the most common complications associated with diabetic deaths. Other causes were malignancy (10%), liver cirrhosis (5.6%), and acute diabetic complications (5%). Forty‐five (7.8%) deaths unaccountable for may be due to other unknown causes. Factors predictive of mortality, such as admission diagnosis of hyperosmolar non‐ketotic state, cerebrovascular disease, acute coronary syndromes or infection were associated with poor prognosis. Admission hyperglycaemia, old age, renal dysfunction and prior stroke were also associated with poor admission outcome. The excess mortality, mainly due to atherosclerotic complications, is potentially preventable through implementation of serious approaches to the management of cardiovascular risk factors. arabic 8 English 64
Hawa Juma El-Shareif(7-2010)

This study aimed to identify areas of deficient knowledge among hospital nurses regarding diabetes management; the ultimate goal was to improve the quality of care for people with diabetes who are admitted to hospital for other medical reasons. Diabetes-related knowledge was assessed in 116 nurses using a 66-item questionnaire; the mean total score was 48.5±15.1. Knowledge was highest for nurses working in paediatrics (62.0±5.5; P
Hawa Juma El-Shareif(7-2013)