Anthropometric Measurements for Assessing the Diabetes mellitus Risk Status in the Filipino Cohort Population

Abstract

The measurement of anthropometric indices can be used to promote early prevention of Diabetes mellitus (DM) in
the Filipino population. This study aims to compare the recommended anthropometric measurements namely body
mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio (WHR), skin fold thickness, and mid-upper arm
circumference (MUAC) of two groups, those with diabetes and those without (control), to predict the health risk
status of the Filipino adult population. The results suggest that the parameters such as BMI, waist circumference,
and WHR in females proved to be the most accurate to predict the diabetes risk among Filipino females. On the
other hand, using the logistic regression model, the BMI, MUAC, and waist circumference indices collectively were
found to have significant bearings with regard to the risk of acquiring DM. The Asian cut-off values of 18.5-24.9
kg/m2 for BMI, and < 90cm and < 80cm for waist circumference of male and female respectively, as recommended
according to Taiwanese standards, are also said to apply to the Filipino population. This study is perhaps the first
study in the Philippines that has relied on actual data gathering instead of using meta-analysis as done
in earlier studies. In the wake of higher mortality in the diabetic COVID 19 positive patients, the gathering of
baseline data of potential DM patients will help the government/stakeholders to efficiently strategize public health
policies related to future preparedness for such pandemics.