A recent study examining waist circumference (WC) and its relationship to mortality risk in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) has revealed significant findings that highlight varying associations across genders. Conducted with data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 2003 to 2018, the research sought to explore how WC affects both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in diabetic populations.
Study Overview and Methodology
The study involved 6,624 participants diagnosed with diabetes, comprising 3,151 women and 3,473 men, all of whom had recorded WC measurements at baseline. These individuals were tracked for mortality outcomes up until December 31, 2019, with a median follow-up period of 6.8 years for women and 6.3 years for men. To account for various influencing factors, Cox proportional hazard models were applied, adjusting for demographic variables and other potential confounders. The research further utilized restricted cubic spline curves and threshold effect analyses to discern the impact of WC on mortality, conducting sensitivity tests to limit reverse causality bias.
Key Findings
Among the participants, 621 women and 871 men passed away during the follow-up period. The study found that WC exhibited different patterns of association with mortality risk depending on gender. In women, a U-shaped relationship was observed between WC and both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, while men showed a J-shaped trend. Specifically, the study identified WC thresholds of 107.0 cm for women and 89.0 cm for men as optimal points for minimizing the risk of mortality.
For women, the adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality were 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96–0.98, P < 0.001) for WC below 107.0 cm, and 1.04 (95% CI: 1.02–1.05, P < 0.001) for WC above 107.0 cm. In men, these ratios were 0.94 (95% CI: 0.90–0.97, P < 0.001) for WC below 89.0 cm, and 1.03 (95% CI: 1.02–1.05, P < 0.001) for WC above 89.0 cm.
Conclusion
The findings of this study suggest a complex relationship between waist circumference and mortality risk in individuals with diabetes. While women exhibited a U-shaped association, men showed a J-shaped pattern, pointing to the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms. The research emphasizes that rather than relying on a fixed “optimal” waist circumference, a deeper understanding of these gendered differences and their implications for health management is crucial. Further studies are warranted to better understand the biological mechanisms behind these associations and to refine guidelines for managing waist circumference in diabetic patients.
Related topics:
Surge in Demand for Diabetes Tech Strains New Zealand’s Health System
UVA Study Shows Continuous Glucose Monitors Can Predict Type 1 Diabetes Complications
Unlocking a New Era in Diabetes Care: Europe’s Call to Action
