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.