Significant Association Between Body Mass Index and Fasting Blood Glucose Levels Among Young Adult Women

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a major public health concern, and abnormal blood glucose levels may occur in younger populations. Anthropometric indicators, including body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, are commonly used to assess obesity and may be associated with impaired glucose metabolism. This study aimed to examine the association of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference with fasting blood glucose levels among young adult women. This analytical observational study used a cross-sectional design. A total of 92 undergraduate Midwifery students were recruited using purposive sampling. Data collection was conducted on February 11, 2025. BMI and waist circumference were assessed as independent variables, while fasting blood glucose level was the dependent variable. Associations between variables were analyzed using the Chi-square test. More than half of the respondents were classified as underweight (55.4%), while 77.2% had a normal waist circumference. Most respondents had normal fasting blood glucose levels (64.1%), followed by prediabetes (32.6%) and diabetes mellitus (3.3%). The Chi-square test showed a statistically significant association between BMI and fasting blood glucose levels (p = 0.035). However, no statistically significant association was observed between waist circumference and fasting blood glucose levels (p = 0.209). In conclusion, BMI was significantly associated with fasting blood glucose levels, whereas waist circumference was not significantly associated with fasting blood glucose levels among young adult women.

Keywords: body mass index; fasting blood glucose; waist circumference