THE VALUE OF DIFFERENT ANTHROPOMETRIC VARIABLES IN ASSESSING CARDIOMETABOLIC RISK

Abstract

Objective. To investigate which anthropometric parameter best correlates with modifications in blood glucose and blood pressure (BP). Material and method. 135 subjects were included in the study. We measured weight, height, waist circumference (WC), BP and calculated body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). We determined glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and performed an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) under standard conditions. Results. HbA1c increased with BMI, WC and WHtR. We found statistically higher values of fasting blood glucose (FBG) in obese (P=0.001), in those with large WC (P=0.028) and in those with WHtR0.5 (P=0.028). Using ROC curves with area under curve (AUC) of BMI, WC and WHtR, WHtR was the best predictor for HbA1c5.7% (AUC=0.665, 95%CI:0.570-0.760), FBG100mg/dl (AUC=0.705, 95%CI:0.617-0.793) and high blood pressure (AUC=0.768, 95%CI:0.689-0.848). Conclusions: WHtR was the best predictor for elevated HbA1c, FBG and blood pressure, hence people with a WHtR0.5 should be included in preventive strategies.