Abstract
Background:
Elevated fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels indicate underlying insulin resistance, which is also closely associated with central obesity. Central obesity is typically measured using waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), or waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Handgrip strength (HGS) is an indicator of muscle strength and is inversely associated with obesity and a risk of developing diabetes. Given the increasing prevalence of obesity and diabetes globally, understanding the interrelations between these is crucial. Thus, study may contribute to the development of screening tools for diabetes especially among the youth.

Aim:
Examine the association between FBS, HGS and central obesity.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study involving 74 participants (18-24 years). Measurements including height, weight, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and fasting blood sugar and handgrip strength was recorded using standard protocols.

Results:
We found FBS (mean ± SD) in normal range for both males (93.80 ± 9.37) and females (97.47 ± 12). The mean ± SD for HGS is variable for males (33.12 ± 6.81) and females (18.12 ± 3.96). WHtR and WC was 0.43 ± 0.04 in males and 0.45 ± 0.03 in females and WC being 80 ± 8 and 70 ± 5 in males and females respectively.

Conclusion:
FBS had shown rising trend with WHtr and WC and inverse trend with HGS. This suggests that HGS, WC and WHtR could be useful for identifying young subjects at risk of developing diabetes.

Key words: Handgrip strength, Diabetes Screening, Waist circumference, Waist height ratio, Fasting blood sugar