Relationship of Anthropometric Measurements, Physical Activity, Lipid Profile, Energy and Macronutrient with Serum Leptin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Several studies have shown a high correlation of serum leptin with adipose tissue markers. However, its relationship with other environmental factors such as diet, physical activity and lipid profile in human is less clear. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of leptin with anthropometric measurements, physical activity, lipid profile, and energy and macronutrient intake in patients with type 2 diabetes in Tehran. In this cross-sectional study, 271 patients with type 2 diabetes were studied. Anthropometric measurements (body mass index, waist circumference, and percent body fat), energy and macronutrient intake (using a semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire), and physical activity level were determined. Also leptin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and HDL levels were measured. Leptin level was significantly higher in women than men (p =0/001). Leptin level showed a positive and significant correlation with anthropometric measurements (p =0/001), and a negative correlation with age (p =0/048, r=-0/10) and physical activity (p =0/04, r=-0/12) in all subjects. Also there was a significant and positive correlation between serum leptin and anthropometric measurements in men and women (p>0.05). In addition, leptin serum had a significant positive correlation with LDL in men (p =0/03, r=0/35) and with the percentage of calorie intake from protein in women (p =0/02, r=0/08). A negative and significant correlation was found between serum leptin level with physical activity level in women (p =0/04, r=-0/15), and with HDL in men (p =0/02, r=-0/25). This study showed that age, sex, anthropometric measurements (body mass index, waist circumference and body fat percentage), physical activity, LDL, HDL, and percentage of calorie intake from protein are related to leptin.