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.