Exposure to Starvation: Associations with HbA1c, Anthropometrics, and Trauma Symptoms Four Decades Later Among Cambodians Resettled in the USA

Background: Epidemiological data suggest that populations exposed to starvation show increased incidence of type 2 diabetes but these studies are limited by lack of person-level data. Cambodians resettled in the USA survived severe malnutrition during distinct historical eras. We examined the relationship of individual exposure to starvation with current HbA1c, anthropometrics, and trauma symptoms among Cambodian Americans. Methods: Participants were excluded for extant diabetes but all had elevated risk factors for type 2 diabetes and depression. Participants identified images on a 5-point scale that best depicted their body size during four distinct periods: before 1970 (peacetime), 1970–1975 (USA bombing campaign, widespread hunger), 1975–1979 (Pol Pot regime, mass starvation), and “now” (2016–2019, resettled in the USA). They reported trauma symptoms and provided anthropometrics and a blood sample. Results: The n = 189 participants were mean = 55 years old and had glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) mean = 5.5%. Self-reported body size showed excellent validity by strong correlations between body thinness “now” and objectively measured waist circumference (r = −0.35), weight (r = −0.50), and body mass index (r = −0.50). Whereas there was some variability, modal self-reported body size started as normal during peacetime, became thinner during the USA bombing campaign, became emaciated during the Pol Pot regime, and rebounded to normal/slightly heavy “now.” Body size during Pol Pot showed the strongest associations with long-term outcomes; thinner body size (greater starvation) was associated with higher trauma symptoms and higher HbA1c even after controlling for age, current waist circumference, and current body mass index. Conclusion: Greater degree of starvation was associated with higher HbA1c and trauma symptoms four decades later.