Objective
Anthropometric measurements such as waist circumference, hip circumference and waist-hip ratio give risk information on diabetes mellitus.
However, there are mixed reports on the relationship of these anthropometric indexes with the levels of glucose in the blood. The objective of this
study was to determine the relationship between random blood glucose levels with waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-hip ratio
among rural adults in Nigeria.
Methods
We carried out a cross-sectional descriptive study of 750 subjects aged =15years using systematic sampling technique. Data were collected with a
structured questionnaire. Subjects were measured for waist circumference and hip circumference; the waist-hip ratio was calculated. Blood samples
of subjects were used for the estimation of blood glucose concentration using the glucose oxidase method of Trinder
Results
Subjects consisted of 385(51.3%) males and 365(48.7%) females (male: female= 1.05:1). The mean age was 39.42±16.17years (males
35.23±14.09years and females 43.83±17.04years; t=7.55, p<0.001). The mean Random Plasma glucose level (RPGL) was 5.68(±2.16) mmol/L
[males 5.69(±2.42)mmol/L and females 5.67(±1.86) mmol/L, t=0.11, P=0.91]. The range (median) of the waist circumference, hip circumference
and waist-hip ratio of the subjects were 52-115cm (83cm), 60-130cm (93cm) and 0.59-0.99 (0.89) respectively. There were positive relationship
between blood glucose levels with waist circumference (r=0.1, P=0.004) and waist-hip ratio (r=0.1, P=0.002). There was no relationship between
blood glucose levels and hip circumference (r=0.0, P=0.13).
Conclusion
We found positive relationship between the random blood glucose levels with waist circumference and waist-hip ratio in this study. Therefore,
waist circumference and waist-hip ratio would be good predictors of diabetes mellitus among rural adults.