Is Lean Body Mass Index Associated with Liver Fat in Youth at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes?

Abstract

s / Can J Diabetes 37 (2013) S6eS11 S9 by HOMA-IR), liver transaminases (ALT/AST), and liver fat (MRS measured). The primary exposure variable was LBM index [LBMI; lean body mass (kg)/height (m2)]. Results: LBMI was positively associated with fat mass (r1⁄40.56, p1⁄40.0001) and visceral fat mass (r1⁄40.39, p1⁄40.0001). LBMI was negatively associated with HDL-cholesterol (r1⁄4e0.28, p1⁄40.006) and positively associated with AST (r1⁄40.27, p1⁄40.002), ALT (r1⁄40.46, p1⁄40.0001), and liver fat (r1⁄40.28, p1⁄40.002). Multiple linear regressions revealed that LBMI was associated with HOMA-IR (s1⁄40.216 SE 0.061, p1⁄40.0006) and ALT (s1⁄41.557 SE 0.482, p1⁄40.001) independently of age, sex, ethnicity, visceral fat mass and fitness level, but not with liver fat (p1⁄40.186). Conclusions: These results suggest that LBMI contributes to insulin resistance and liver fat in youth at risk of T2D. Considering that liver fat is the strongest predictor of T2D in youth, LBMI should be considered in risk assessment in youth at high risk of T2D.