Body composition and fat distribution measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in premenopausal and postmenopausal insulin-dependent and non—insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients

The study aim was to measure body composition and fat distribution in premonopausal and postmenopausal women with insulin-dependent ([IDDM] n = 53) and non—insulin-dependent ([NIDDM] n = 32) diabetes mellitus by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. IDDM and NIDDM patients had similar, normal lean tissue mass (LTM) and 24-hour urinary excretion of creatinine. Total body and abdominal fat percentages were higher in the NIDDM group (∼40%) than in the IDDM group (∼27%, P < .001) and were constant with age and menopausal status in both groups. In postmenopausal patients with IDDM, total body and abdominal fat values were less than in postmenopausal healthy women (∼27% v ∼37%, P < .001). In premenopausal patients with NIDDM, total body and abdominal fat were higher than in premenopausal healthy women (∼42% v ∼25%, P < .001). In conclusion, women with IDDM or NIDDM have a normal LTM and probably a normal muscle mass. Total body and abdominal fat were higher for women with NIDDM than for those with IDDM.