High body fat and low muscle mass are associated with increased arterial stiffness in Asian Indians in North India

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the associations of high body fat and low muscle mass with arterial stiffness in Asian Indians with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in North India.

Methods: In this cross sectional study, subjects with T2DM (males n=110, females n=58, mean age: 53.8±10.0years) were recruited. Anthropometry and body composition analysis were performed and measures of glycemia, lipids and PWV were analyzed.

Results: Significant positive correlation was observed between PWV and body fat (p<0.05), left leg fat (p<0.05), and right leg fat (p<0.01) percentages only in females. In males, significant negative correlation was observed between PWV and truncal fat free mass (p<0.05) and fat free mass in right arm (p=0.05) and left arm (p<0.05). In both males and females, significant negative correlation was observed between PWV and fat free mass in left leg (p<0.01) and for right leg fat free mass only in females.

Conclusion: Excess adiposity and low fat free mass are associated with arterial stiffening in Asian Indians with T2DM in North India, with significant gender differences.

Keywords: Arterial stiffness; Asian Indians; High body fat; Muscle mass; Type 2 diabetes.