Hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype and abnormal glucose metabolism: a system review and meta-analysis

This study was to perform a meta-analysis to assess the relationship between hypertriglyceridemic-waist (HTW) phenotype and abnormal glucose metabolism.

The data sources were PubMed and EMBASE up to June 2018. Studies providing the relationship between HTW phenotype and abnormal glucose metabolism were included.

In total, 48 eligible studies that evaluated 2,42,879 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. In the general population, the pooled odds ratios (ORs) for elevated blood glucose and diabetes related to HTW phenotype was 2.32 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.98-2.71) and 2.69 (95% CI: 2.40-3.01), respectively. In cohort studies, the pooled OR for diabetes related to HTW phenotype was 2.89 (95% CI: 1.97-4.25) in subjects without diabetes. The levels of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in the HTW population were increased with values of mean differences (MD) 1.12 (95% CI: 0.81-1.43. P < 0.00001, I² = 99%) in the general population and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.75-1.04, P < 0.00001, I² = 67%) in subjects without diabetes.

HTW phenotype was closely associated with increased risk of abnormal glucose metabolism. There was also a significant correlation between HTW phenotype and insulin resistance.