Central fat predicts deterioration of insulin secretion index and fasting glycaemia: 6-year follow-up of subjects at varying risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Aims To examine the relationships between body composition and changes in fasting glycaemia, and in indices of insulin secretion and insulin action over 6 years in females with a family history of Type 2 diabetes with or without prior gestational diabetes (‘at risk’ group, AR) and control females (control group, C). Methods At baseline and at follow-up, an oral glucose tolerance test and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry assessment of body composition were performed. Indices of insulin resistance (HOMA R′) and insulin secretion (HOMA β′) were obtained from fasting insulin and glucose concentrations. Results At baseline, the groups were similar for age, body mass index, fasting levels of plasma glucose and insulin, HOMA R′ and HOMA β′. Despite similar total body fatness, AR had significantly greater waist circumference and central fat (both P