Muscleness and fatness phenotypes for diabetes and hypertension prediction from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-17

Introduction: Diabetes and arterial hypertension are increasing in adults, where calf circumference and waist circumference are two clinical epidemiological markers poorly studied for predicting cardiometabolic risk. Objective: To characterize four phenotypical models in the Chilean adult population based on muscleness and fatness using both calf circumference and waist circumference outcomes. Methodology: An epidemiological observational cross-sectional representative study based on the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-17, where four phenotypes groups were analyzed; Low skeletal muscle mass and high-waist circumference (Lsmm-Hwc, n=140), low skeletal muscle mass and low waist circumference (Lsmm-Lwc, n=242), high skeletal muscle mass and high waist circumference (Hsmm-Hwc, n=1076), and high skeletal muscle mass and low waist circumference (Hsmm-Lwc, n=1358). These groups described information about diabetes, hypertension prevalence, including other risk factors. Results: The reference group Hsmm-Lwc group showed lower fasting plasma glucose (FPG) vs. Hsmm-Hwc (90.4 [95%CI] [89.0; 91.8] vs. 111.7 [109.1; 114.3]), and vs. Lsmm-Hwc (90.4 [89.0; 91.8] vs. 118.3 [107.2; 129.4] mg/dL, both P<0.0001). Lower levels (i.e., appropriate) of FPG (R2 4.8%), glycated hemoglobin (R2 2.6%), systolic BP (R2 19.0%), and diastolic BP (R2 2.5%) were significantly associated (all, P<0.0001) with the Reference group Hsmm-Lwc. Conclusion: A high muscleness and low fatness phenotype is present in those who are younger adults, is associated with better glucose/blood pressure control, and reports low cardiovascular risk factors for diabetes and hypertension in Chilean adults.