Sex differences in body composition measurements and hand grip strength in prediabetic patients: A case-control study

Abstract

Introduction: There has been an increase in the numbers of patients living with prediabetes, with an increase in the progression to type 2 diabetes, figures that are projected to increase in the coming years. Early interventions should be carried out that translate into a reduction in risk factors for this condition. Studies suggest increased body fat as a risk factor, thus, it is useful to evaluate body composition. General objective: to compare body composition and hand grip strength in patients with prediabetes and without prediabetes who attend the endocrinology service at CMDLT between the period from June to September 2024. Materials and methods: observational, analytical case-control study, using a cross-sectional design; included 31 patients with prediabetes and 23 patients without prediabetes, with determination of body composition and hand grip strength. Results: a higher mean body fat and percentage of fat was obtained in the case group, with a predominance in the female sex. However, a higher mean of musculoskeletal mass was obtained in the control group, with a predominance in the male sex. When evaluating the hand grip strength, it was higher in the control group in both sexes, with a p value close to significance in the female sex (0.064). Conclusion: Once the results were obtained, differences were found in the findings of body composition and hand grip strength in both groups.

Keywords: hand grip strength, body composition, prediabetes.