Fat pattern and its relation to glycated hemoglobin in Egyptian diabetic children

Abstract

Background/aim Obesity and type 1 diabetes mellitus are the two most common conditions of altered metabolism in children and adolescents. We aimed to assess the fat distribution in diabetic children using different anthropometric measures and indices (mid-upper arm circumference, waist circumference, waist/hip and waist/height ratios) and their correlation with glycated Hb (HbA1c). Patients and methods This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted on 100 diabetic children aged 7–18 years, with established type 1 diabetes mellitus. Their mean HbA1c is less than 12.0% during the year before the study visit. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI, and waist and hip circumferences), BMI, and waist/height and waist/hip ratios were calculated as well as body composition. Results The mean age of the whole sample was 10.88±2.55 years, with a mean HbA1c of 8.83±1.61. The mean age at onset was 8.10±3.51 years, with a mean duration of disease of 2.85±2.45 years. According to the BMI percentiles, 10% of children were overweight, 10% were underweight, and 80% were normal weight. Fat% in the uncontrolled group was insignificant higher than those of the controlled group. Waist and hip circumferences showed higher values in the uncontrolled group than those of the controlled group. The waist/height ratio was on the borderline to develop central obesity (waist/height ratio ≥0.5). Conclusion Onset at earlier age and longer duration of the disease are considered risk factors to have uncontrolled diabetes with HbA1c greater than 7.5. It is not mandatory to become overweight or obese in diabetic children. Fat% was higher in uncontrolled than controlled group. Waist and hip circumferences as anthropometric tools are better indicators of central obesity than waist/hip ratio in diabetic children.