Background The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is rising at an alarming rate and more common among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients in the world. The risk for cardiovascular disease is greater among individuals who have a combination of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and metabolic syndrome compared to those who have either alone. Objective To assess the proportion of metabolic syndrome and lifestyle factors among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Dessie Referral Hospital, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2017 among 343 randomly selected Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients. Three definitions of Metabolic syndrome were considered. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported to show the strength of association. Statistical significance was declared at P-value < 0.05. Result The proportion of metabolic syndrome was 50.3%, 59.4% and 64.5% according to 2005 International Diabetes Federation, revised ATP III and 2009 harmonized criteria, respectively. Being female (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.40, 4.21), consumption of red meat (AOR = 2.61; 95% CI = 1.28, 5.33), sedentary leisure time activity (AOR = 2.65; 95% CI = 1.47, 4.78), coffee intake (AOR = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.21, 0.86), BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (AOR = 9.59; 95% CI = 4.98, 18.47), 40-49 years of age (AOR = 2.74, 95% CI = (1.02, 7.37), 50-59 years of age (AOR = 4.22; 95% CI = 1.60, 11.11) and ≥70 years of age (AOR = 4.51, 95% CI = 1.44, 14.15) were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome. Conclusion and recommendation The proportion of metabolic syndrome was high among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients. Overweight and obesity, being female, age of respondent, intake of coffee, regular red meat consumption, and sedentary leisure-time activity were factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Counseling of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients on the need for spending leisure time with activities, intake of coffee, control of body weight, and avoidance of regular red meat consumption is recommended.
