An abdominal fat distribution phenotype characterized by higher intraperitoneal and lower deep subcutaneous adipose tissue was associated with a 5.36-fold higher odds of developing gestational diabetes mellitus.
Cohort (n=389)
Does relative abdominal adipose tissue distribution characterize metabolic risk beyond general adiposity in premenopausal Asian women?
Relative abdominal adipose tissue distribution, specifically higher intraperitoneal and lower deep subcutaneous fat, identifies premenopausal women at high risk for metabolic syndrome and gestational diabetes independent of overall adiposity.
Odds Ratio: 5.36 (95% CI 1.12–27.85)
The rising prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women of reproductive age highlights their growing susceptibility to future cardiometabolic diseases. Both conditions signal early metabolic dysfunction tied to abdominal adiposity. We investigated whether relative abdominal adipose tissue (AAT) distribution characterises metabolic risk beyond general adiposity. Using magnetic resonance imaging, we quantified superficial (SSAT) and deep (DSAT) subcutaneous, intraperitoneal (IPAT), and retroperitoneal (RPAT) adipose tissue compartments to derive AAT distribution phenotypes from their relative contributions. These phenotypes were characterized with respect to MetS, GDM risk, ectopic fat accumulation, and metabolic profiles. The relative AAT distribution of higher %IPAT and lower %DSAT was a significant determinant for MetS. Women with both lower %IPAT and higher %DSAT exhibited the most favourable metabolic profiles, whereas women with higher %IPAT and lower %DSAT showed increased prevalence of MetS, hepatic steatosis, elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and 5.36-fold higher odds of developing GDM (95% CI 1.12–27.85). Notably, metabolic differences were observed despite similar overall adiposity including total AAT, body fat percentage, body mass index, and waist circumference. This suggests that AAT accumulation, particularly preferential DSAT over IPAT, captures metabolic heterogeneity and may support precision risk stratification of cardiometabolic disease in women.
Kway et al. (Thu,) conducted a cohort in Metabolic syndrome and Gestational diabetes mellitus (n=389). High %IPAT and low %DSAT abdominal fat phenotype (P1) vs. Low %IPAT and high %DSAT abdominal fat phenotype (P3) was evaluated on Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (OR 5.36, 95% CI 1.12-27.85). An abdominal fat distribution phenotype characterized by higher intraperitoneal and lower deep subcutaneous adipose tissue was associated with a 5.36-fold higher odds of developing gestational diabetes mellitus.