Abstract

1. Correlation Between Blood Glucose and Body Mass Index in Southern Utah University StudentsDialM & Wright CB, Ph.D.Department of Agriculture and Nutrition, Southern Utah University Abstract Results Methods The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and blood glucose (BG) levels in university students. Eighty students attending Southern Utah University (41% male, 59% female; 88% Caucasian, 9% Hispanic, 3% Pacific Islander) participated in the study. After an overnight fast students’ fingers were pricked and 3/10th microliter of blood was analyzed using a Free Style Flash® Blood Glucose Monitoring System. The participants were then administered a questionnaire and their weight was recorded. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 13 for Windows. Results showed no significant relationship between BG and BMI. Subjects from the northern half of the state were more likely to be overweight (P=.006) and have higher BG (P=.003) than those from the southern half of the state. Participants who had taken a nutrition (NFS) course were more likely to correctly answer nutrition knowledge questions (P<.039). SPSS 13.0 for Windows was used to run frequencies and chi square analysis on the data. Data showed that those students from northern Utah were more likely to be overweight and have a higher BG than those from southern Utah. Data also indicated that that students who had taken an NFS course were more likely to correctly answer questions regarding BG (P=.005) and questions regarding BMI (P=.004). Interesting but not significant was that there was no difference between the rating of male diets and female diets. There was no relationship between BMI and gender. Those who rated their diets as more nutritious, had a higher level of activity (P=.009). Eighty Southern Utah University (SUU) students fasted overnight; their blood samples were collected by finger prick. One drop of blood was deposited on a Free Style  glucose strip. The test strip was analyzed using a Free Style Flash® Blood Glucose Monitoring System. Subjects were then weighed on a Health-o-meter Digital scale and asked their height. BMI was calculated using the Quelet formula. Conclusions While the data showed the increased weight in northern Utah students, the reason for this is not known. A post data analysis focus group suggested the following possible explanations: (1) students from the southern half of the state have an increased activity level due to the more rural areas, (2) students from the southern part of the state eat more home cooked meals therefore decreasing their caloric intake, (3) students from southern Utah had less access to fast food establishments. Nutrition education does increase nutrition knowledge. Research Questions • The purpose of this study was to answer the questions: • Is there a relationship between BMI and blood • glucose? • Is there a relationship between select • demographic variables BMI and/or BG? • Is there a relationship between a knowledge • related to BMI and/or BG and a students BMI • and/or BG?