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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2025 Jan;20(1):e13185.
doi: 10.1111/ijpo.13185. Epub 2024 Nov 17.

Association between total, regional and organ fat and type 2 diabetes risk factors among Latino youth: A longitudinal study

Eyitayo O Owolabi  1 , Micah L Olson  1   2 , Houchun H Hu  1   3 , Armando Peña  1   4 , Janiel L Pimentel  1   2 , Keenan A Pituch  5 , Smita S Bailey  1   6 , Gabriel Q Shaibi  1   2
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Association between total, regional and organ fat and type 2 diabetes risk factors among Latino youth: A longitudinal study

Eyitayo O Owolabi et al. Pediatr Obes. 2025 Jan.

Abstract

Introduction: To examine whether within-person changes in total, regional and organ fat were associated with within-person changes in type 2 diabetes (T2D)-related biomarkers following interventions.

Methods: A secondary analysis from a randomised trial among Latino youth (30 males, 25 females) aged 12-16 years with obesity. The study sample combined participants randomised to either lifestyle intervention (N = 39) or usual care (N = 16). Total body composition was assessed by DEXA. Hepatic and pancreatic fat fractions were assessed using MRI. T2D risk factors included insulin sensitivity, beta-cell function and post-challenge glucose.

Results: Significant changes in %body fat, lean mass, insulin sensitivity and 2-h glucose were observed. Changes in fat mass were associated with changes in insulin sensitivity (β = -0.45, p < 0.001), while changes in lean mass were associated with changes in 2-h glucose concentrations (β = -0.50, p = 0.02). No association between changes in total, regional, or organ fat and beta cell function were noted.

Conclusions: Our study revealed that within-person changes in fat mass and lean mass were associated with increased insulin sensitivity and reduced 2-h glucose concentrations, respectively, among high-risk Latino youth. The impact of reductions in regional and organ fat deposition on T2D risk factors warrants further examination.

Keywords: beta cell function; ectopic fat; insulin resistance; obesity; paediatrics; type 2 diabetes.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: Dr. Olson reported receiving personal fees from Rhythm Pharmaceuticals outside the submitted work. Dr. Shaibi reported receiving personal fees from Phoenix Children’s (PC) for research consultation, which has been disclosed to Arizona State University outside the submitted work. PC participated in the research resulting in this publication.

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