Glycated hemoglobin HbA1c, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio in overweight and obese adolescents
Abstract: Central obesity has
been associated with a high risk of insulin resistance. Waist circumference and
waist-to-height ratio are anthropometric indices for determining central
obesity and have been associated with increased blood pressure, cholesterol,
and insulin levels. In adults, fat distribution around the waist is a valid
predictor of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)levels, and is currently recommended by
experts as a diagnostic tool for diabetes. Central obesity measurement has
advantages over fasting blood glucose and oral glucose tolerance tests, as it
is simple and inexpensive to perform.
Objective To assess for correlations between HbA1c level and waist
circumference as well as waist-to-height ratio and to assess factors
potentially associated with HbA1c levels in overweight and obese adolescents.
Methods This cross-sectional study was done in four junior high schools
in Yogyakarta, which were obtained by cluster sampling. Overweight and obese
students who were generally healthy were included in the study. Subjects
underwent waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio measurements, as well
as blood tests for HbA1clevels.
Results Sixty-seven children participated in the study, with 48 girls
(71.6%) and 19 boys (28.4%). Waist circumference and HbA1c levels were not
significantly associated (r=0.178; P=0.15). However, waist-to-height ratio and
HbA1c levels had a weak positive correlation (r=0.21; P=0.04). Linear
regression analysis revealed that waist-to-height ratio had a significant
association with HbA1c level (P=0.02), but age, sex, and nutritional status did
not.
Conclusion Waist-to-height ratio is correlated with HbA1c levels in
overweight and obese adolescents.
Keywords: waist circumference;
waist-to-height ratio; glycated hemoglobin; obesity; adolescent
Author: Elysa Nur Safrida,
Neti Nurani, Madarina Julia
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg170141
