Association between total, regional and organ fat and type 2 diabetes risk factors among Latino youth: A longitudinal study

Introduction: To examine whether within-person changes in total, regional and organ fat were associated with within-person changes in type 2 diabetes (T2D)-related biomarkers following interventions.

Methods: A secondary analysis from a randomised trial among Latino youth (30 males, 25 females) aged 12-16 years with obesity. The study sample combined participants randomised to either lifestyle intervention (N = 39) or usual care (N = 16). Total body composition was assessed by DEXA. Hepatic and pancreatic fat fractions were assessed using MRI. T2D risk factors included insulin sensitivity, beta-cell function and post-challenge glucose.

Results: Significant changes in %body fat, lean mass, insulin sensitivity and 2-h glucose were observed. Changes in fat mass were associated with changes in insulin sensitivity (β = -0.45, p < 0.001), while changes in lean mass were associated with changes in 2-h glucose concentrations (β = -0.50, p = 0.02). No association between changes in total, regional, or organ fat and beta cell function were noted.

Conclusions: Our study revealed that within-person changes in fat mass and lean mass were associated with increased insulin sensitivity and reduced 2-h glucose concentrations, respectively, among high-risk Latino youth. The impact of reductions in regional and organ fat deposition on T2D risk factors warrants further examination.