Association between body composition, nutritional parameters, and capillary blood glucose in young adults

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, partly due to the imbalance between fat mass and lean mass, which negatively affects glucose regulation, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory status. This study aimed to analyze the association between body composition, dietary intake, and capillary glucose levels in young adults from Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Methods: A total of 27 young adults (mean age 27.63 ± 8.48 years) were included. Anthropometric variables, body composition by bioelectrical impedance, fasting capillary glucose levels (8–10 h), and dietary intake via a 24-hour dietary recall were assessed. Participants were classified into two groups according to their glucose levels: normoglycemia (<100 mg/dL) and hyperglycemia (≥100 mg/dL).

Results: Participants in the hyperglycemic group showed a higher percentage of body fat, lower muscle mass, and lower intake of vitamins B6 and E compared to those in the normoglycemic group. Significant correlations were found between capillary glucose levels and body fat percentage (r = 0.483, p = 0.014), muscle mass (r = -0.475, p = 0.016), total body water (r = -0.505, p = 0.010), hip circumference (r = 0.483, p = 0.014), vitamin B6 intake (r = -0.444, p = 0.017), and vitamin E intake (r = -0.345, p = 0.044).

Conclusion: Higher body fat percentage, lower muscle mass, and inadequate intake of vitamins B6 and E are associated with elevated capillary glucose levels. Promoting healthy body composition and micronutrient-rich diets may play a key role in the early prevention of metabolic disturbances.