Total Body Fat Mass in Relation to Insulin Resistance in Type 1 Diabetic Patients

Abstract Background The introduction of intensive insulin therapy improved glycemic control among people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). However, an increased prevalence of obesity occurred in those with T1DM with increased insulin resistance. Aim to determine the relationship between total body fat with each of glycemic control and insulin resistance among children with T1DM. Methodology Hundred twenty children with T1DM aged 10-18 years were recruited from the Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes Unit (PADU), Ain Shams University. They were assessed for insulin requirements, fasting lipids profile, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c%) and bio- impedence to assess total fat mass with calculation of the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) for insulin resistance. Results The body mass index Z score of the studied children with T1DM was 0.6 (0 – 1.2) and their mean HbA1c% was 9.14±1.99%. Children with T1DM having insulin resistance had significantly higher BMI z score, insulin dose, LDL level and total body fat than those without (p = 0.024, p = 0.005, P = 0.009 and p = 0.007, respectively). Total body fat was significantly correlated with duration of diabetes (p < 0.001), BMI z score (p < 0.001) and eGDR (p = 0/009) among the studied children with T1DM. eGDR significantly correlated with both total and visceral fat (P = 0.009 and P = 0.007 respectively) in the studied children and adolescents with T1DM. Conclusion T1DM children having insulin resistance had significantly higher total body fat than those without insulin resistance.