Body fat content, distribution and blood glucose concentration among adults population in Ilala Municipality, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Body fat content has been associated with increase of blood glucose concentration. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between body fat content, its distribution and blood glucose concentration among adult population. A cross sectional survey was carried among 270 randomly selected adults, aged above 25 years. Bioelectrical impendence technique was used to determine body fat content. Waist-hip-measures were used to assess abdominal obesity. Blood glucose level was determined by GlucoPlus™ meter with a disposable blood glucose test strip. Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out using Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS version 16). The mean age of the subject was 38 ± 10.5(SD). Mean Body fat content was 27 ± 10.3(SD). About 49% and 22% of subjects were obese and underweight respectively. About 83% of the female subjects and more than one third of the subjects aged above 35 years had a waist- hip ratio greater than 0.8. About 40% of the subjects who had fasting blood glucose level < 6.1mmol/L, 49% of them had elevated blood glucose level 2 hours post load glucose. About 50% of subject who had greater body fat content and waist hip ratio had impaired fasting blood glucose and impaired glucose tolerant. Body fat content within the body has significance effects on blood glucose concentration. Consequently, there is a need of increasing awareness about healthy food consumption coupled with regular physical activities so as to reduce the risk of developing diet related chronic diseases.

Keywords: Body fat content, fat distribution, blood glucose level