How strong is the association between abdominal obesity and the incidence of type 2 diabetes?

BACKGROUND: Quantitative evidence on the strength of the association between abdominal obesity and the incidence of type 2 diabetes was assessed. METHODS: Systematic review of longitudinal studies assessing the relationship between measures reflecting abdominal obesity and the incidence of type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: There was a strong association between measures reflecting abdominal obesity and the incidence of type 2 diabetes, the pooled odds ratio was 2.14 (95% CI: 1.70-2.71; p < 0.0001). Waist circumference (WC) was at least as good as other measures in predicting outcome. CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong association between measures reflecting abdominal obesity and the development of type 2 diabetes. Reducing WC may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.