Body Composition Analysis in Newly Diagnosed Diabetic Adolescent Girls

Kim, Yong Hyuk; Song, Min Kyoung; Chung, Sochung

Abstract

PURPOSE
The objective of this study was to determine the type differences of diabetes by analyzing the growth status and body composition of newly diagnosed diabetic adolescent girls.
METHODS
The study included 6 type 1 diabetic adolescent girls (age 11.7 +/- 1.9 years) and 6 type 2 diabetic adolescent girls (age 14.4 +/- 2.6 years). The height, weight and body composition of fat mass and fat-free mass were measured in each patient. Body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), fat free mass index (FFMI) and percent body fat (PBF) were calculated and each component was plotted on a body composition chart.
RESULTS
Type 2 diabetic adolescent girls seemed to be taller and heavier compared to type 1 diabetic girls, but the differences in height and weight z-score were not significant. BMI, FFMI, FMI, PBF were also higher in type 2 diabetic girls. The body composition chart revealed that type 2 diabetic girls had significantly higher FMI and PBF. In type 1 diabetic girls, FFMI was lower compared to type 2 diabetic girls. The BMI difference between diabetes types was explained with the difference in FFMI as well as FMI.
CONCLUSION
The components of body composition differ according to diabetes type in adolescent girls. Measuring the body composition of diabetic girls might help to promote growth and adequate FFM gain during childhood. In diabetes control, diet and exercise should be emphasized along with insulin treatment.