The risk of having metabolic syndrome is closely linked to overweight and obesity and lack of physical activity. It increases the chances of type 2 diabetes. The situation gets worsened in postmenopausal women. For the present cross-sectional study 595 women were recruited. 330 were premenopausal and 265 were postmenopausal. The anthropometric measurements like height, weight, waist circumference and skin folds like biceps, triceps, supra iliac and sub scapular were taken on each subject using standard methodology. Blood pressure was measured with mercury sphygmomanometer. Body mass index, waist hip ratio, weight height ratio, body fat, percent body fat was calculated. Fasting blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis. A person was considered to be having diabetes if she was already diagnosed case of diabetes and /or was on treatment or current fasting blood glucose was ≥126 mg/dl.

Lipid profile of diabetic subjects was assessed. Total serum Cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and lipoproteins; heavy density lipoproteins (HDL-C) and low density lipoproteins (LDL-C) were estimated. Statistically significant differences were observed in the mean values of most of the anthropometric and physiological variables between normal and diabetic pre- and postmenopausal women. Values were on higher side in postmenopausal women as compared to their premenopausal counterparts although statistically higher values were observed in case of biceps, percent body fat, fat mass and pulse pressure only. Similar was the status of lipid profile. Statistically higher values of TC, TG, LDL-C and lower value of HDL-C was observed among diabetic postmenopausal women as compared to premenopausal women. Lower levels of estradiol and higher age among postmenopausal women could be among the various risk factors. Balanced diet and regular exercise is recommended for a healthy life style.