Abstract

Background: The association between adiposity and diabetes has been widely assessed using body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-hip ratio (WHR), whereas these variables are inadequate to differentiate between muscle mass, fat mass, and bone mass.

Aims and Objectives: The objective of the present study is to assess the somatotype pattern (subcutaneous fat mass distribution) and body fat percentage (%) in complete glycemic spectrum.

Materials and Methods: Skinfold thickness, BMI, WC, hip circumference (HC), and WHR were measured in normoglycemic non-first-degree relatives of diabetes (Group 1), normoglycemic first-degree relatives of diabetes (Group 2), prediabetes (Group 3), and type 2 diabetes patients (Group 4).

Results: The groups are comparable based on gender distribution, age, height, weight, physical activity, BMI, WC, HC, WHR, and somatotyping. Body fat percentage is significantly high in first-degree relatives of diabetes, prediabetes, and diabetes group as compared to control, in while all other groups are comparable among themselves.

Conclusion: Body fat percentage can be considered as a better indicator of metabolic derangement than BMI, WC, HC, WHR, and somatotyping in the complete glycemic spectrum.

Key words: Adiposity; Diabetes; Somatotyping