Body Fat Percentage Rather than Body Mass Index Related to the High Occurrence of Type 2 Diabetes.

Background Diabetes prevalence estimation and reduction of its risk factors remain the major goals of health services. While obesity is the major risk factor for diabetes, body fat distribution may be a better predictor. Aims To estimate the prevalence of diabetes in an adult working population in Mexico City, and to evaluate the strength of association with different risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two city halls of Mexico City. Anthropometrics, blood pressure, physical activity, diet, and biochemical parameters were assessed. Diabetes was defined as a fasting plasma glucose level ≥7.0 mmol/l or referred diabetes. The bioelectrical impedance analysis of body components was performed and weight, soft lean mass, body fat percentage and abdominal fat were obtained. Prevalence with 95% confidence intervals was estimated, as well as odds ratios derived from a logistic regression model. Results The prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 11.0% (95% CI 9.6–12.4%). The proportion of individuals with diabetes who were unaware of having the disease was higher in women (42.5 vs. 36.9%), and the degree of metabolic control was better in women (39.1 vs. 25.0%). Age, blood pressure, triglycerides and the percentage of body fat, were major risk factors related to the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. No relation was observed with physical activity and diet. Conclusions The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Mexico continues to be high and obesity measured by body fat percentage seems to be a better predictor of its occurrence than body mass index.