Waist Circumference and Waist–Hip Ratio as Markers of Undiagnosed Diabetes and Prediabetes in the Community Setting of Aligarh - A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Rising rates of central obesity are closely linked to insulin resistance, often masking a hidden burden of undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes. This study investigates their association to improve early detection and prevent chronic metabolic complications in asymptomatic populations. This study aims to determine the association of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and prediabetes with waist circumference and waist-hip ratio in the family members of a diabetic patient. A cross-sectional study was conducted in our field practice area (Urban Health Training Center and Rural Health Training Center) among the family members of a diabetic patient. In this study, the family members of a diabetic patient aged 18 years and over (inclusion criteria) were administered the ADA risk score test. Of the 400 participants with a score of 5 or above, those with HbA1c ≥ 6.5% were tested for fasting blood glucose (FBS) for diagnosis confirmation. The Chi-square test was applied to determine the association of undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes with waist circumference and waist-hip ratio. SPSS version 20 was used for the data analysis. The association of prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes with abnormal waist circumference was statistically significant when compared with normal in males, while with abnormal waist-hip ratio, the association was not statistically significant in both males and females. Central obesity may be regarded as a marker of undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes. Hence, lifestyle changes should be incorporated to prevent prediabetes and diabetes.