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Relationship between fatty liver and glucose metabolism: a cross-sectional study in 571 obese children

G Bedogni1, A Gastaldelli, M Manco

  • 1Centro Studi Fegato, Basovizza e Dipartimento ACADEM, Università di Trieste, Trieste, Italy.

Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases : NMCD
|October 1, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects 41% of obese children and is linked to increased insulin resistance. This condition, however, was not associated with impaired beta-cell function in the study.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Early-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and impaired beta-cell function.
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a potential independent risk factor for T2DM.
  • Investigating NAFLD's impact on glucose metabolism in obese children is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between NAFLD and glucose metabolism in obese children.
  • To determine if NAFLD is an independent predictor of metabolic dysfunction in pediatric obesity.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 571 obese children (aged 8-18) underwent liver ultrasonography to diagnose NAFLD.
  • Oral-glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) assessed glucose metabolism; insulin sensitivity index (ISI) and beta-cell function (incAUCins/incAUCglu) were evaluated.
  • Multivariable regression analysis controlled for confounders like BMI, age, and pubertal status.

Main Results:

  • NAFLD was diagnosed in 41% of obese children.
  • Children with NAFLD showed higher rates of impaired glucose tolerance or T2DM (25% vs. 8%).
  • NAFLD was independently associated with higher 120-min OGTT glucose and lower ISI, but not impaired beta-cell function.

Conclusions:

  • NAFLD is prevalent in obese children and correlates with increased insulin resistance.
  • NAFLD in obese children is not significantly associated with impaired beta-cell function.
  • Findings highlight NAFLD as a key metabolic concern in pediatric obesity.
Abstract

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