The pattern of body fat distribution has been shown to be related to a large number of variables of clinical importance. A variety of indices have been devised, many of them simple enough to be useful in large-scale clinical studies. Relationships among these several indices and systematic information on the effects of age, sex, and obesity have, however, not been systematically studied. Five anthropometric ratios that classify individuals into different body types have been computed for 1179 men and women aged 17-96 years. These are: waist hip ratio, arm thigh ratio, waist thigh ratio, waist arm ratio, and subscapular triceps skinfold ratio. In general, the age patterns show progressive trends toward increasing upper and central body fat deposition with age. In women there tends to be a postmenopausal acceleration of this trend. The ratios are distinctly higher in men than in women and are also independently influenced by the body mass index. Predictive equations that take age and BMI into account for each of the indices for men and women have been provided.

The relationships of body composition and physical fitness [maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max)] to the decline in insulin sensitivity with age were examined in healthy older (47-73 yr; n = 36) and young (19-36 yr; n = 13) men. In 18 older men with normal glucose tolerance (OGTT), glucose disposal rates (M) during hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamps correlated negatively with the waist to hip ratio (WHR; r = -0.77; P < .001) and percent body fat (r = -0.46; P < 0.05) and positively with VO2max (r = 0.54; P < 0.05), but not with age. Similar relationships existed in the 36 older men with a spectrum of OGTT responses; however, only WHR was independently related to M (r2 = 0.32; P < 0.01). In the older men with normal OGTT, M (mean +/- SEM, 7.88 +/- 0.43 mg/kg fat-free mass.min) was not different from that in the young men (8.56 +/- 0.47; P = NS). Furthermore, in older and young men with normal OGTT matched for WHR, percent fat, or VO2max, glucose disposal was comparable at sequential 15-min intervals during the clamp and in its relationship to insulin concentrations at the tissue level (multicompartmental analysis). In contrast, despite higher steady state plasma insulin levels during the clamp, M was significantly lower in the older men with a higher WHR, greater percent fat, lower VO2max, or impaired OGTT. Thus, in healthy older men up to the age of 73 yr, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance are affected primarily by the regional body fat distribution, not age, obesity, or VO2max.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to demonstrate the feasibility of telehealth technology to provide a team approach to diabetes care for rural patients and determine its effect on patient outcomes when compared with face-to-face diabetes visits. Materials and Methods: An evaluation of a patient-centered interdisciplinary team approach to diabetes management compared telehealth with face-to-face visits on receipt of recommended preventive guidelines, vascular risk factor control, patient satisfaction, and diabetes self-management at baseline and 1, 2, and 3 years postintervention. Results: One-year postintervention the receipt of recommended dilated eye exams increased 31% and 43% among telehealth and face-to-face patients, respectively (p = 0.28). Control of two or more risk factors increased 37% and 69% (p = 0.21). Patient diabetes care satisfaction rates increased 191% and 131% among telehealth and face-to-face patients, respectively (p = 0.51). A comparison of telehealth with face-to-face patients resulted in increased self-reported blood glucose monitoring as instructed (97% vs. 89%; p = 0.63) and increased dietary adherence (244% vs. 159%; p = 0.86), respectively. Receipt of a monofilament foot test showed a significantly greater improvement among face-to-face patients (17% vs. 35%; p = 0.01) at 1 year postintervention, but this difference disappeared in years 2 and 3. Conclusions: Telehealth proved to be an effective mode for the provision of diabetes care to rural patients. Few differences were detected in the delivery of a team approach to diabetes management via telehealth compared with face-to-face visits on receipt of preventive care services, vascular risk factor control, patient satisfaction, and patient self-management. A team approach using telehealth may be a viable strategy for addressing the unique challenges faced by patients living in rural communities.

OBJECTIVE -To determine whether rural health care providers are compliant with American Diabetes Association (ADA) clinical practice guidelines for glycemic, blood pressure, lipid management, and preventative services.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS -This study was performed using a retrospective chart review of 399 patients 45 years of age and older, with a definitive diagnosis of diabetes seen for primary diabetes care at four rural health facilities in Montana between 1 January 1999 and 1 August 2000.RESULTS -Glycemic testing was adequate (85%), and glycemic control (HbA 1c 7.43 Ϯ 1.7%) was above the national average. Comorbid conditions of hypertension and dyslipidemia were not as well managed. Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 139 Ϯ 18.8 mmHg and LDL was 119 Ϯ 33 mg/dl. Of 399 patients, 11 were considered as needing no additional treatment based on ADA guidelines of an HbA 1c level Ͻ7%, a BP Ͻ130/85 mmHg, and a LDL level Ͻ100 mg/dl. Monofilament testing and dilated eye examinations were poorly documented, as were immunizations. There were few referrals for diabetic education.CONCLUSIONS -Rural health care practitioners are not adequately following the ADA standards for comprehensive management of their patients with diabetes. Glycemic testing is being ordered, but HbA 1c values indicate that patients do not have their diabetes under optimal control. The comorbid conditions of hypertension and dyslipidemia are not optimally managed according to the ADA guidelines.