Waist hip ratio as predictor of incident diabetes in young adults

Abstract

Obesity is associated with impaired glucose tolerance which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Central obesity (approximated by waist/hip ratio) is more informative than general obesity (body mass index). Thus, central obesity markers can be used to predict diabetes. To find a correlation between blood sugar level and waist hip ratio in young adult males and females. A cross sectional study was conducted among 60 students (30 males and 30 females) of first year MBBS in the department of Physiology of Hind Institute of Medical Sciences. Their WHR was measured and their venous blood sample was drawn in fasting and 2 hr post lunch. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 21. According to WHR criteria, post prandial blood sugar level was significantly raised in males ‘at risk level’ (WHR ≥ 0.90) as compared to males ‘below risk level’ (WHR ≤ 0.90). WHR is a good predictor of post prandial hyperglycemia and both are independent predictors of cardiovascular disease.