Association of bio-impedance phase angle and a nutritional indicator in community-dwelling patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Purpose: Although the bio-impedance phase angle is a relevant factor in nutritional assessment, studies with community-dwelling patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have not been identified. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between phase angle and nutritional status in community-dwelling patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus according to gender and accounting for related factors other than nutritional status. Methods: This study included 122 patients (mean age 52.1 ± 13.5 years, 63 males and 59 females) with type 2 diabetes mellitus living in the community who used our Endocrinology and Metabolism medical clinic. The phase angle was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Albumin was an independent variable and the covariates were age, hemoglobin A1c, skeletal muscle index (SMI), and body mass index. Statistical analysis was performed using linear regression with a significance level of 5%. Results: The linear regression model results showed a significant association between phase angle and albumin in both males and females (males: β = 0.26, females: β = 0.16). Age was also a relevant factor (male: β = −0.25, female: β = −0.51), and a significant association was found between phase angle and SMI in males (β = 0.54). Conclusion: Phase angle was positively associated with albumin, a nutritional assessment index. These results suggest that phase angle can be a simple and noninvasive measure of nutritional status.