Dual X-ray absorptiometry body composition and its associated factors in children and adolescence with type 1 diabetes mellitus in South of Iran, a case-control study

To date, limited studies have been conducted for evaluation of the body composition with the dual X-ray energy absorptiometry (DEXA) method in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Also, there are lack of data about factors associated with body composition parameters in T1DM children. This case-control study was performed on T1DM children whom had referred to Diabetes Clinics of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, 2013-2014. Weight, height, physical activity, sun exposure, insulin regimen, and the Tanner stage of children were recorded by a trained physician. Serum lipids and glycemic tests were assessed. Body composition was assessed by the DEXA Hologic system. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 18.0 software. Eighty-seven T1DM children (39 male and 48 females) and 87 age- and sex-matched healthy controls with a mean age of 12.4 +/- 4.2 years were enrolled in this study. Fat mass index was more in T1DM (P = 0.012), and lean mass index was more in non-diabetic children (P = 0.013). The android/gynecoid fat ratio in T1DM children was less than that of controls (P = 0.002). On multiple regression analysis, there was an independent effect of Tanner stage (P < 0.001) and FBS (P = 0.045) on total fat, an independent positive effect of age onset of T1DM (P < 0.001) on total lean mass. This study revealed an increase in the body fat index and a decrease in the lean mass index in T1DM children.