Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most common type of diabetes which is triggered by various factors such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, dietary habits and inheritance. With respect to geographic variation of diabetes prevalence, it is important to know the risk factors regionally.

Methods: As a case-control study, we looked for important risk factors of diabetes in our region. This study consisted of 400 individuals in case group and 400 individuals in control group. All these anthropometric measurements were calculated by standard methods. Blood samples taken from two groups were studied for TG, FBS, Cholesterol and HbA1c. Data are reported as the Mean±SD. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results: There was no significant difference between two groups about mean age and sex ratio. Statistically significant difference were found for central obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and positive family history of diabetes in both groups (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The results showed that central obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, PCOS and positive family history of diabetes are important risk factors of diabetes mellitus in Shiraz. In concordance with the results of this study, screening programme for that risk factor of diabetes in this region is suggested.