Body fat distribution and the risk of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in the Omani population

ABSTRACT

Anthropometric measures of overall and central obesity as predictors of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [NIDDM] risk were studied. Data for 4728 Omanis were taken from the 1991 National Diabetes Survey. Diabetes mellitus was assessed using a 2-hour post glucose load. After adjusting for age, sex, family history of diabetes, physical activity and blood pressure, body mass index [BMI] was positively associated with increased risk of diabetes mellitus. Controlling for BMI and other potential confounders, waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference were positively associated with increased risk of diabetes mellitus. Waist measurement [alone or with hip circumference] is a simple and independent tool for assessing the risk of NIDDM