Elevated fasting blood glucose levels depend on paternal history of diabetes in Wheaton College football players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between lean body mass and fasting blood glucose levels in 32 members of the Wheaton College football team. Procedure included a medical questionnaire, measuring fasting blood glucose levels, height, weight, and body composition. Regression analysis of the data showed no significant relationship between blood glucose levels and lean body mass, body weight, percent body fat, or fat mass. Interestingly, a relationship did emerge between fasting blood glucose levels and family history. Ten subjects had family history of diabetes; 7 maternal, 3 paternal. Those with maternal history had an average blood glucose level of 89 mg/dL; significantly lower than those with paternal history, who averaged 101 mg/dL. A multiple linear regression was calculated to predict subjects' fasting blood glucose levels based on their family history. A significant regression equation was found (p<.05) with R squared of .296. The equation for the subjects predicted blood glucose=86.464+.869(mom) +15.036(dad), where history is coded as a 1 if a subject has it, and 0 if they do not. History of the dad only was a significant predictor. Aldeen Grant from Wheaton College.