Comparison of pancreatic volume and fat amount linked with glucose homeostasis between healthy Caucasians and Koreans

Aim To compare pancreatic volume and fat amount, and their associations with glucose homeostasis, in a Korean and a white population. Materials and methods In 43 healthy Korean and 43 healthy white people, matched for age (±3 years) and body mass index (BMI; ±1 kg/m 2 ), we measured pancreatic volume and fat amount in the pancreas and abdomen using computed tomography. Pancreatic β‐cell function and insulin resistance were estimated according to biochemical characteristics and a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test. Body composition and resting energy expenditure (REE) were examined using bioimpedance and indirect calorimetry, respectively. Results The mean ±SD age of the participants was 29.9 ± 5.9 years and 30.0 ± 5.2 years, and BMI was 24.0 ±3.7 and 24.1 ±3.2 kg/m 2 in the white participants and the Korean participants, respectively. Pancreatic volume in the white participants was greater than that in Korean participants (77.8 ±11.6 vs 68.2 ±12.1 cm 3 ; P < .001). Pancreatic fat content in Korean participants was 22.8% higher than in white participants ( P = .051). Insulinogenic index, disposition index, muscle mass and REE were significantly lower in Korean participants. Pancreatic volume was positively associated with indices linked to β‐cell function; fat content in the pancreas was negatively associated with such indices, and positively with insulin resistance after adjusting for relevant variables including REE. Conclusions A smaller pancreas and higher fat deposition might be crucial determinants of vulnerability to diabetes in Korean people compared with white people with similar BMI and body fat levels.