A new equation to estimate basal energy expenditure of patients with diabetes.

Background & Aims: Predictive equations for basal energy expenditure (BEE) derived from Caucasians tend to overestimate BEE in non-Caucasians. The aim of this study was to develop a more suitable method to estimate BEE in Japanese patients with diabetes using indices readily measured in clinical practice.

Methods: BEE was measured by indirect calorimetry under a strict basal condition in 68 Japanese patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The best fitting equation was investigated by multiple regression analysis using of age, sex, and anthropometric indices. The resultant new equation was tested in a separate group of 60 Japanese patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and the accuracy compared with existing equations.

Results: The best-fit equation was BEE [kcal/day] = 10 × (body weight)[kg] - 3 × (age)[y] + 125 (if male) + 750. Adjusted coefficient of determination was 81.0%. Root mean squared errors and accurate prediction in the validation set were 103 kcal/day and 78% for the new equation; 184 and 50 for Harris-Benedict; 209 and 38 for Oxford; 205 and 42 for Liu; and 140 and 63 for Ganpule.

Conclusions: This new equation is simpler and estimates BEE more accurately in Japanese patients with diabetes than the presently used equations do.