Ask the diabetes expert: Does a growing waistline indicate a higher chance of getting diabetes?

Q. Does a growing waistline indicate a higher chance of getting diabetes even though the BMI is in a normal range?

Waist circumference indicates accumulation of fat around the waist. It is associated with accumulation of fat in both the subcutaneous and visceral fat compartment. Normal waist circumference for Asian women is 80cm and men 90cm.

A growing waistline, beyond normal waist circumference, indicates excess fat accumulation around the waist. Excess accumulation of fat around the waist has been associated with insulin resistance and greater inflammation and increased risk of metabolic diseases and diabetes mellitus.

Studies have shown that a large waist circumference is associated with higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus particularly in persons with lower (normal) BMI, and that this association is stronger among men than women.

Dr Khoo Chin Meng, Senior Consultant, Division of Endocrinology, National University Hospital