Interrelation Among Anthropometric Indices, Body Composition, Physical Fitness, and Glycated Hemoglobin in a Cohort of Young Female University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reflects average blood glucose levels over the preceding three months, independent of fasting state. It is widely used for diagnosing type 2 diabetes and prediabetes and monitoring glucose control in patients with diabetes. This study highlights how anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness affect glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in a cohort of female university students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study, conducted between October 2023 and January 2024 among university female students (n=86; ages 17-22 years) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aimed to determine the relationship between HbA1c, anthropometric indices, physical fitness, and body composition. Participants were recruited in person, provided written informed consent, and completed demographic and physical activity questionnaires. Weight, body mass index (BMI), visceral fat, and muscle and fat percentage were measured using a body composition monitor scale (Omron HBF-514C, OMRON Healthcare, Inc., Kyoto, Japan). A stadiometer was used to measure height and an electronic sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure. The waist and hip circumferences were measured using a measuring tape, and the waist-to-hip ratio was further calculated. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured using an immunofluorescence assay analyzer (Getein 1160 Immunofluorescence Quantitative Analyzer, Getein Biotech, Inc., Nanjing, China).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The main objective of our study was to establish a relationship between anthropometric measurements and body composition with physical fitness levels, including sedentary time, and how it influences HbA1c levels in young female students. Of the 90 participants, data from 86 were analyzed. Significant correlations were found between HbA1c and diastolic blood pressure (BP) (r=0.227) and sedentary hours (r=0.206). Linear regression analysis revealed sedentary behavior (p=0.021) and diastolic BP (p=0.034) as significant predictors of HbA1c levels. In conclusion, our research study provides valuable insights into how lifestyle factors such as sedentary lifestyle and diastolic BP influence glycemic (HbA1c) control in a specific cohort of young female university students of ages 17-22 years. Although BMI was not a significant predictor in our study, sedentary hours and diastolic blood pressure were independently linked to HbA1c levels.