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Simple skinfold-thickness measurements complement conventional anthropometric assessments in predicting glucose
J L Sievenpiper1, D J Jenkins, R G Josse
1Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto and the Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, and the Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|March 10, 2001
Summary
Skinfold-thickness measurements, often overlooked, can help predict glucose and insulin regulation issues. These measurements, when combined with standard assessments, offer valuable insights into metabolic health.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Health
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Skinfold-thickness measurements have historically been viewed as having limited clinical utility.
- Conventional anthropometric assessments are standard for evaluating metabolic health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if skinfold-thickness measurements can serve as a valuable addition to traditional anthropometric assessments.
- To determine the predictive capability of skinfold measurements for glucose and insulin regulation.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-five subjects (lean, normal-weight, obese) underwent anthropometric measurements including skinfold thicknesses.
- Participants completed 75-gram oral-glucose-tolerance tests (OGTTs) with blood sampling over 120 minutes.
- Insulin sensitivity index was calculated using mean plasma glucose and insulin values.
Main Results:
- Obese individuals exhibited higher plasma glucose and insulin levels compared to lean and normal-weight groups.
- Waist circumference, peripheral skinfold thickness, and BMI were significant predictors of fasting plasma glucose.
- Peripheral skinfold thickness strongly predicted 2-hour plasma glucose and the insulin sensitivity index.
Conclusions:
- Skinfold-thickness measurements demonstrate potential as a complementary tool in assessing metabolic health.
- These measurements can aid in predicting abnormal glucose and insulin regulation.
- Integrating skinfold data with other anthropometric measures enhances predictive accuracy.