Resting energy expenditure in Korean type 2 diabetes patients: comparison between measured and predicted values

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Estimation of energy demand using resting energy expenditure (REE) is a reasonable approach for optimizing glycemic control and weight management in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to compare REE predictions and objective measurements in patients with T2DM in Korea. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study enrolled 36 participants with T2DM (age range, 20-60 years). Anthropometric variables including height, weight, waist-hip ratio, blood pressure, body fat, body fat percentage, and total body weight were measured using bioimpedance. REE was evaluated using indirect calorimetry. The measured REE values were compared to values estimated using five predictive equations: the Harris-Benedict, Mifflin, Owen, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO), and Schofield equations. This study evaluated the associations between measured REE values and anthropometric/clinical data, including height, weight, and age, using multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: The mean measured REE value was 1891.79 +/- 288.03 kcal/day (male), 1,502.00 +/- 202.96 kcal/day (female). REE estimates generated from the Mifflin equation showed the largest differences from measured REE values, whereas estimates derived from the FAO/ WHO equation were the closest to the measured REE values. This study also identified associations between measured REE values and various anthropometric/clinical variables. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of REE prediction equations is critically important in promoting the efficacy of dietary counseling and the effective treatment of diabetes. Our results indicate the need for additional studies informing more suitable methods for determining the energy requirements of Korean patients with T2DM.