title: Neck circumference as an anthropometric measure of obesity in diabetics.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Insulin resistance is associated with visceral subcutaneous fat content. Neck circumference (NC) is a marker of upper body subcutaneous adipose tissue distribution.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to compare NC in diabetics and non-diabetics and to correlate NC with other anthropometric measures.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was conducted in 350 type 2 diabetics and 350 non-diabetics of >30 years of age. Anthropometric parameters like body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference, and NC were measured. Independent t-test and Pearson's correlation were the tests of significance done to analyze quantitative data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was positive correlation of NC, BMI, and index of central obesity. The NC in diabetics was significantly higher than in non-diabetics (P < 0.001). NC >36 cm in diabetics and >37 cm in non-diabetics was the best cutoff value to determine subjects with central obesity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings indicated that NC may be used both in clinical practice and in epidemiologic studies as a straightforward and reliable index. It is an economical easy to use test with less consumption of time and correlates well with other standard anthropometric parameters.
authors: Department of Physiology, Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Tamaka, Kolar, Karnataka, India.
authors: Jagadamba
authors: J
authors: Aswathappa
authors: Sumit
authors: S
authors: Garg
authors: Karthiyanee
authors: K
authors: Kutty
authors: Vinutha
authors: V
authors: Shankar
keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Neck circumference; Obesity
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