Relationship between Body Mass Index, Waist-to-hip Ratio and Glycaemic control status of Adult Diabetics in Makurdi, Nigeria

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that affects carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) are known anthropometric measurements used to access body fat. Good glycaemic control among diabetics has been found to be difficult to achieve. Several factors including increased body fat has been found to affect glycaemic control. Aim: This study aimed to assess the relationship between the anthropometric indices (BMI and WHR) and glycaemic control among adult diabetics attending the general out-patient clinic (GOPC) of Federal Medical Centre Makurdi (FMC) Makurdi. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 359 diabetic patients aged between 18 to 77 years. Selected by systematic sampling technique. Data was collected by interviewer-administered questionnaire. Clinical measurements undertaken included body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio and blood pressure. Fasting blood glucose assay was done for all respondents. Data was analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18. Results: The proportion of those with good glycaemic control was 58%. The mean body mass index (BMI) was