Waist size of 40 inches or greater for men is mentioned as a risk factor
for type 2 diabetes. Waist circumference should be less than one half of
height in inches.  "Anti-Inflammatory" Diet May Improve Postprandial
Glucose, Cardiovascular Health CME/CE: News Author: Laurie Barclay, MD
CME Author: Charles Vega,MD -
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/569105_print

A man 5'10" would by this criteria have an upper limit of 35" waist
size.  From my perspective this makes more sense than a one size fits
all criteria.  At age 20 and 153 pounds, my waist was 29".  During my
mid-20s it was between 33-34 inches and my weight was 165-170 pounds.
I weighed close to 195 pounds for much of the next 30 years and waist
size was 36 inches. By age 63 the waist had edged up to 38 inches and by
65 I was dx'd.  While my waist has not returned to the age 20 size, it
has stabilized close to 34" and my weight ranges between 154 and 159.

Comparable waist size for a women that is 5'4" is 32 inches using the
1/2 rule of thumb.

Bear in mind that fat tissues can secrete inflammatory chemicals that
result in oxidative stress.

Frank