Parental history of diabetes modifies the association between abdominal adiposity and hyperglycemia

OBJECTIVE - To examine whether the association between abdominal obesity an d hyperglycemia differs according to the presence of a parental history of diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - We conducted a cross-sectional stud), of 3,06 8 men and women, aged 20-65 years, without known diabetes who were fasting participants of a population-based study in three Dutch towns. Hyperglycemi a was defined as a fasting plasma glucose concentration of 6.1 mmol/l (Amer ican Diabetes Association criterion). Waist circumference was categorized a ccording to previously defined waist action levels. All estimates were adju sted for age and town. RESULTS - The regression coefficients for the association between waist cir cumference and fasting plasma glucose were larger in participants who had a parental history of diabetes than in those who did not (men beta = 0.31 vs . 0.16 mmol/SD, P [for interaction] = 0.003; women P = 0.24 vs. 0.11 mmol/S D, P = 0.002). Furthermore, larger waist circumference (men greater than or equal to 94 vs. < 94 cm, women greater than or equal to 88 vs. < 80 cm) wa s associated with a greater excess prevalence of hyperglycemia in participa nts who had a parental history of diabetes than in those who did not (men 1 2.4 vs. 2.0%, P = 0.03; women 13.6 vs. 5.9%, P = 0.05). Adjustment for phys ical activity, alcohol intake, smoking, and educational level did not mater ially change the results. CONCLUSIONS - These findings indicate that the association between abdomina l obesity and hyperglycemia is stronger in the presence of a parental histo ry of diabetes, Blood glucose screening may be warranted at lower levels of waist circumference in individuals with a parental history of diabetes.