A New Score for Metabolic Age in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Physical Rating Score

Abstract

Background: Metabolic age (met-age), a risk marker, may vary within the same chronological age group. Its association with chronological age, waist/height ratio, obesity degree, body mass index (BMI), and physical rating score (PRS)—risk factors for type 2 diabetes—remains unexplored. Methods: A total of 122 type 2 diabetes patients (50 males, 72 females) were analyzed. Bioimpedance measurements were taken using the Tanita MC-780MA, alongside anthropometric data. Variables were compared, and correlations with met-age were assessed. Results: The met-age–chronological age difference was higher in females with type 2 diabetes (p < 0.001). Females also had higher BMI, obesity degree, fat mass, and waist/height ratio (p < 0.05), but lower waist/hip ratio (p < 0.001). Males showed higher PRS, muscle mass, and fat-free mass (p < 0.001). Met-age positively correlated with chronological age and negatively with PRS in both sexes (p < 0.05). According to the linear regression model, in females, the met-age was influenced positively by chronological age and waist/height ratio and negatively by PRS (R2 = 0.983). In males, it was positively influenced by chronological age, obesity grade, and BMI, but negatively by PRS (R2 = 0.974). Conclusions: Met-age correlates with chronological age and PRS in type 2 diabetes patients. It increases with advancing age and lower PRS, with waist/height ratio impacting females and BMI/obesity degree affecting males.