Anthropometric Variables Accurately Predict Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometric-Derived Body Composition and Can Be Used to Screen for Diabetes
2011

Using Body Measurements to Screen for Diabetes

Sample size: 341 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Yavari Reza, McEntee Erin, McEntee Michael, Brines Michael

Primary Institution: Beyond Care, LLC

Hypothesis

Can simple anthropometric variables accurately predict body composition and screen for diabetes mellitus type 2?

Conclusion

The study found that anthropometric measurements can effectively predict body composition and identify individuals at high risk for diabetes.

Supporting Evidence

  • Anthropometric variables were shown to predict body composition with good accuracy.
  • The area under the curve for predicting diabetes was 0.78, indicating good discrimination.
  • Using these measurements is simpler and less invasive than traditional blood tests.

Takeaway

This study shows that we can use simple body measurements, like waist and hip size, to find out if someone might have diabetes, instead of doing complicated tests.

Methodology

The study used stepwise linear regression and nominal logistic regression to analyze body composition data from DXA scans and anthropometric measurements.

Potential Biases

The study may not generalize to more diverse populations due to the specific demographics of the sample.

Limitations

The findings are only applicable to the specific population studied, which consisted mainly of middle-aged, overweight females.

Participant Demographics

The study included 341 females with a wide range of body mass indices, ages 15-80, and a 23% prevalence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Confidence Interval

0.68–0.88

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024017

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