Anthropometric Characteristics of Limbs and Body Circumferences in Bulgarians with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine certain limb and body circumferences in Bulgarians with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and to compare them with healthy subjects. The study included 120 patients aged 20-40 years and 80 healthy Bulgarians at the same age. Measured circumferences: neck, arm, forearm, waist, hip, thigh, and calf. Calculated indices: Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), Waist-to-thigh ratio (WTR). The circumferences of neck, arm, forearm, hip, thigh, and calf in the healthy men were significantly greater than in male patients. The circumferences of neck, arm, forearm waist and calf in the female patients were significantly greater than in the healthy controls. The value of WHR was significantly greater in the patients of both sexes than in healthy people. Reduction of subcutaneous, but not of visceral adipose tissue in the male patients was detected. The amount of both subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue was greater in female patients than in healthy women.