Regional and ethnic factors of obesity and diabetes mellitus in women of re-productive age in the Pribaikal region

Introduction . Overweight is currently one of the leading global medical problems. Overweight and obesity contribute significantly to the development of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorder and can also cause premature death. Obesity has a negative impact on reproductive function; almost a quarter of women of childbearing age are overweight and about a third of them are obese. Aim . To study the characteristics of carbohydrate metabolism, hormonal indicators, and clinical-metabolic profiles, as well as to assess the potential risk of developing diabetes mellitus in women of fertile age with overweight and obesity residing in the Baikal region. Materials and methods . The study involved 60 overweight and obese women of reproductive age in the Pribaikalye region, including 33 women of Russian nationality (group 1) and 27 women of Buryat nationality (group 2). Anthropo-metric, sociodemographic and behavioural criteria were analysed, as well as questionnaires using the FINDRISC Scale. General clinical analyses of blood and urine were performed, lipid profile parameters, glucose, insulin, creatinine, transaminases, estradiol, thyroid hormone, leptin levels in blood plasma were studied. In addition, an oral glucose tolerance test was performed and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Results . In the group of Buryat women with lower body weight as compared to Russians, higher levels of leptin, HOMA- IR index, and larger waist circumference are observed. In Buryat women, low physical activity makes a significant contribution to the development of overweight and obesity, while for Russian women, excessive caloric intake is more important. In accordance with the results of the FINDRISC scale survey, the greatest contribution to the potential development of diabetes mellitus in the Russian group is body mass index (weight), and in the Buryat group, in addition to these indicators, waist circumference and reduced physical activity. Conclusions . The results of the study will be of great help in the development of pro-grammes for the prevention of diabetes and obesity, taking into account regional and ethnic differences among the population.