Waist Size Doesn't Improve Prediction Rate Of Diabetes

At one point, scientists had hoped that using an individual's waist measurement would serve as a better predictor of type 2 diabetes in children than the standard body mass index (BMI) rating. Unfortunately, research data has dispelled that theory.

The findings of the research, which was carried out by scientists at the University of Michigan, has been published in the Journal of Adolescent Medicine.

“There is increasing interest in measuring waist circumference in children to assess for chronic disease risk,” said lead researcher in the study, Joyce M. Lee.

This research comes on the wave of experts looking for ways to accurately identify children who are at higher risks of developing type 2 diabetes. The method currently being used is the BMI method, but some scientists believe that this is not concise enough. They recommend using waist measurements and the content of fat located in the stomach area as a better method of isolating those who are potentially at risk.

Scientists looked at data from some 1,500 U.S. adolescents, comparing such areas as waist circumference, fasting glucose levels, BMI, and insulin levels. What they found was that approximately one in every eight individuals already experienced insulin resistance.

They also discovered that using waist circumference and BMI produced almost the same results as identifying children who were insulin resistant. Insulin resistance is a common risk of diabetes.

Lee expressed her concern as to how this new development could confuse some doctors.

Added Lee: “Providers may be unsure of whether they should be measuring body mass index, weight circumference or both to determine these risks.”