Insulin resistance in obese pre-pubertal children : relation to body composition

Abstract EN

-Background: Abdominal obesity is a strong determinant of obesity related metabolic complications.

Data about pre-pubertal children are scarce.

The aim of this study is to assess the presence of insulin resistance using different insulin sensitivity indices and investigate its relationship with abdominal fat distribution by Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scan (DXA).

Secondary outcome is to determine the frequency of the metabolic syndrome components.

Subjects and methods: Twenty-three pre-pubertal obese children were recruited (14 females, 9 males).

Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences, waist to hip ratio, and blood pressure were measured.

Fasting blood samples were withdrawn for glucose, insulin, lipid profile, thyroid and liver functions.

Patients underwent oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) and DXA scan for body composition.

Insulin sensitivity was determined using homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fasting glucose to insulin ratio, Matsuda, and Cederholm indices.

Results: All patients had BMI, waist circumference, and DXA trunk fat more than 2 SDS.

Mean fasting glucose, insulin, fasting glucose to insulin ratio, 120 min glucose and HOMA-IR were within normal limits, but mean Matsuda and Cederholm indices exceeded cut off limits.

Dyslipidaemia was detected in 13 patients (56.5%), disturbed glucose homeostasis in 8 patients (34.8%), and systolic