Univariate regression analyses were performed to study the association between (1) IHL content and serum SHBG levels (i.e. exposure–mediator); (2) IHL content and type 2 diabetes status (i.e. exposure–outcome); and (3) serum SHBG levels and type 2 diabetes status (i.e. mediator–outcome). Here, SHBG is linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus.