Early anthropometric indicators of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Purpose of review With the rapidly increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in youth (as in adults), it is critical to recognize phenotypic markers that can help predict and potentially prevent its onset, and reduce the associated burden of the disease for patients, families, and society. In this review, we summarize the most recent literature characterizing growth, puberty, and body composition in youth at risk for or who have T2DM. Recent findings There is an inverse, nonlinear relationship between birth weight and future risk of developing T2DM. Height seems to have an inverse correlation with risk for diabetes. Earlier onset of puberty in males and females is associated with the T2DM phenotype. While adiposity is a known correlate of T2DM, visceral adiposity as represented by waist circumference has emerged as one of the key determinants of T2DM in population-based studies globally. Thresholds for body mass index vary across ethnicities in predicting risk for T2DM, depending on genetic factors and fat-distribution profiles. Summary Emerging links between T2DM and dysregulated parameters of growth and development highlight the importance of early recognition of modifiable risk factors and the creation of individualized screening protocols.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the latest research findings on the growth, puberty, and body composition characteristics of youth at risk for or who have type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The results showed a nonlinear, inverse relationship between birth weight and the future risk of developing T2DM. Height and earlier onset of puberty were found to be inversely correlated with T2DM risk. Visceral adiposity, as represented by waist circumference, emerged as one of the key determinants of T2DM globally.