This cross-sectional study investigated the mediating role of circulating white blood cell (WBC) counts in the association between central adiposity and diabetes risk using data from 6,613 participants in the Fuqing cohort study. Results showed a positive association between waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and prediabetes/diabetes risk. Elevated WBC counts were linked to both central adiposity and worsening glycemic status. Mediation analyses revealed significant indirect effects of central adiposity on prediabetes and diabetes risk through various WBC types (total WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes), suggesting that circulating WBC levels contribute to the mechanisms linking central adiposity and diabetes.

Fengqiong Liu, Yanni Li, Wanxin Li, Ruimei Feng, Hongwei Zhao, Jun Chen, Shanshan Du, Weimin Ye