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Altered body composition in type 2 diabetes mellitus
S Heshka1, A Ruggiero, G A Bray
1Obesity Research Center, St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, New York, NY, USA.
International Journal of Obesity (2005)
|January 30, 2008
Summary
Individuals with type 2 diabetes have altered body composition, showing less total fat and leg mass but more trunk fat and lean mass compared to controls. These differences in fat and lean tissue distribution warrant further investigation into their metabolic implications.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Health
- Body Composition Analysis
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder.
- Body composition, including fat and lean soft tissue, plays a crucial role in metabolic health.
- Understanding tissue distribution differences in type 2 diabetes is essential for managing the condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare fat and lean soft tissue amounts and distribution between individuals with and without type 2 diabetes.
- To investigate the influence of race/ethnicity and sex on these tissue distribution differences.
- To identify specific patterns of body composition alterations associated with type 2 diabetes.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving overweight and obese adults (Black, White, Hispanic men and women).
- Participants included individuals with type 2 diabetes and healthy controls.
- Whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were used to assess body composition.
Main Results:
- Individuals with type 2 diabetes had significantly less total fat mass and leg fat compared to controls.
- Conversely, type 2 diabetes was associated with greater trunk fat mass.
- Lean mass distribution also differed, with more trunk lean mass and less leg lean mass in those with type 2 diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Type 2 diabetes is characterized by a distinct pattern of body fat and lean mass distribution, with increased central adiposity and reduced peripheral tissues.
- These findings highlight significant alterations in body composition associated with type 2 diabetes.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the physiological mechanisms and metabolic consequences of these observed tissue distribution differences.
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