The role of visceral adiposity and muscle strength in glucose metabolism in women with breast cancer
Name: LUIZA PEREIRA GONCALVES
Publication date: 12/06/2026
Examining board:
Name |
Role |
|---|---|
| CAROLINA PERIM DE FARIA | Coorientador |
| THAIS MANFRINATO MIOLA | Examinador Externo |
| VALDETE REGINA GUANDALINI | Presidente |
| VITOR FIORIN DE VASCONCELLOS | Examinador Interno |
Summary: Objective: To investigate the impact of the coexistence of low muscle strength (MS) and excess visceral fat (VF) on glucose metabolism in women with breast cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving women 30 to 80 years of age with a diagnosis of breast cancer in the previous 12 months, without metastasis or recurrence and with no history of previous treatment for other neoplasms. Sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical variables were collected. MS was estimated using the handgrip strength test. VF was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The sample was divided into four groups: non-low grip strength/non-high visceral fat (NLGS/NHVF), non-low grip strength/high visceral fat (NLGS/HVF), low grip strength/non-high visceral fat (LGS/NHVF), and low grip strength/high visceral fat (LGS/HVF). Multinomial logistic regression models were run, with the significance level set at 5%. Results: A total of 207 women were included in the study (mean age: 55.8 ± 11.3 years). The NLGS/HVF group predominated (35.3%), followed by the LGS/HVF group (19.3%) and the LGS/NHVF group (15%). Participants in the NLGS/HVF group were 5.4% more likely to have elevated serum glucose (OR: 1.054, 95% CI: 1.018 –
1.091). Similarly, the LGS/HVF group was 4.3% more likely to have elevated serum glucose levels (OR: 1.043, 95% CI: 1.006 – 1.080) compared to the reference group (NLGS/NHVF). Conclusion: Excess visceral fat – alone or in combination with low muscle
strength – was associated with higher glucose levels in women with breast cancer. The measurement and control of VF can assist in clinical monitoring during cancer treatment and the implementation of targeted interventions.
