# Body composition markers are more strongly associated with type 2 diabetes than inflammatory markers—Results from the study of health in Pomerania

## TL;DR

Body composition measures like waist circumference are more strongly linked to type 2 diabetes than inflammatory markers in a large population study.

## Contribution

This study is the first to compare body composition and inflammatory markers from multiple sources in their association with type 2 diabetes.

## Key findings

- Body composition markers showed stronger associations with type 2 diabetes than inflammatory markers.
- Waist circumference had the strongest association with type 2 diabetes in both men and women.
- Sex-specific differences were observed in the strength of associations between markers and type 2 diabetes.

## Abstract

Evidence links body composition and inflammatory markers with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the comparative analysis of body composition markers derived from different modalities and inflammatory markers in relation to T2D remains unexplored. This study aims to evaluate and compare the association of body composition and inflammatory markers with T2D.

We included 4043 participants (2081 female, 51.4%) aged 20–84 enrolled in the population‐based Study of Health in Pomerania. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for confounding were used to analyse associations of standardized body composition markers derived from classic anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, magnetic resonance imaging as well as inflammatory markers C‐reactive protein, white blood cell count, fibrinogen, ferritin and CRP‐to‐albumin ratio with prevalent T2D.

Body composition markers were more strongly associated with T2D than inflammatory markers. Waist circumference exhibited the strongest association with T2D (female: odds ratio (OR) = 2.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.17–3.00; male: OR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.86–2.60). Similarly, body weight (female: 2.07; 1.78‐2.41; male: OR = 1.99; 95% CI = 1.71–2.31), waist‐to‐height ratio (female: OR = 2.39; 95% CI = 2.05–2.77; male: 2.28; 1.92–2.70) and visceral adipose tissue (female: 3.02; 95% CI = 2.11–4.32; male: 1.50; 1.19–1.89) showed strong associations with T2D. Among inflammatory markers, white blood cell count in male and CRP‐to‐albumin ratio in female exhibit the strongest association with T2D.

Body composition markers seem to be more tightly associated with prevalent T2D compared to inflammatory markers.

This cross‐sectional, population‐based study aims to evaluate and compare the association of body composition and inflammatory markers with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Data from 4043 participants (51.4% women, aged 20–84 years) were analysed using multivariable logistic regression models. Results indicated that body composition markers were more strongly associated with prevalent T2D than inflammatory markers. Additionally, the findings suggest a sex‐specific role of body composition and inflammatory markers in T2D development.