Diabetogenesity of adiposity: When to intervene?

Abstract

Objective: Obesity is one of the modifiable risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Adiposity causes insulin resistance and diabetes by various mechanisms. This study was undertaken to determine diabetogenic effect of adiposity in relation to age for identification of vulnerable age groups.

Methods: This prospective study included 370 healthy adult non-diabetic individuals. Height and weight were recorded to calculate body mass index (BMI). Fasting blood sugar (FBS) was estimated by glucose oxidase method. 

Results: A stepwise increase in magnitude of BMI was observed with increase of age in decades. Although increase in mean FBS was observed with age, statistically significant (p = 0.00093) increase in mean FBS was observed only in 4th decade of life. Positive correlation was observed (Pearson’s correlation coefficient r = + 0.26) between BMI and FBS. 

Conclusion: With increasing age, BMI and FBS increase, especially during 4th decade of life. This emphasizes the need to target the vulnerable age group (30-40 years) for creating awareness about maintenance of ideal body weight to prevent early onset of type 2 diabetes. Positive correlation between BMI and FBS reiterates diabetogenic effect of adipose tissue and emphasizes importance of maintenance of normal BMI.