Body fat distribution and the risk of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in the Omani population.

Anthropometric measures of overall and central obesity as predictors of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) risk were studied. Data for 4728 Omanis were taken from the 1991 National Diabetes Survey. Diabetes mellitus was assessed using a 2-hour post glucose load. After adjusting for age, sex, family history of diabetes, physical activity and blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) was positively associated with increased risk of diabetes mellitus. Controlling for BMI and other potential confounders, waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference were positively associated with increased risk of diabetes mellitus. Waist measurement (alone or with hip circumference) is a simple and independent tool for assessing the risk of NIDDM.