The correlation of skinfold thickness and prediabetes status in patients treated in family medicine department, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital

Abstract

The purpose of this cross-sectional analytical research was to study the relationship between skinfold thickness and prediabetes status. Patients with prediabetes status, also known as Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG), and patients without diabetes (non-diabetic) receiving treatment in the Family Medicine Department, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. A total of 1,056 patients were included in this study. The study was conducted between March and August 2021. Data were collected using questionnaires and health measurement tools. According to the findings, the thickness of subcutaneous fat layer at the triceps and sub-scapular regions was found to be statistically significantly associated with prediabetes status and fasting IFG in a positive manner (logistic regression coefficient = 0.040 (p=0.018) and 0.028 (p=0.024), respectively). That means when the thickness of subcutaneous fat layer at the triceps and subscapular locations grows, there will be an increased risk of developing prediabetes status (odds ratio 1.040 (95%CI 1.007-1.074) and 1.028 (95%CI 1.004-1.054), respectively). However, there was no significant difference in the likelihood of developing prediabetes condition based on the measurements of subcutaneous fat layer at the biceps and suprailiac region. As a result, it is recommended that screening for prediabetes condition be done by measuring the thickness of subcutaneous fat layer at the triceps and subscapular locations. The technique can be used to prevent prediabetes condition from the start as well as to supplement the existing diabetes screening test.