OGTT results in obese adolescents with normal HOMA-IR values

To investigate insulin resistance (IR) with OGTT in obese adolescents who have normal fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

A total of 97 obese adolescents who had values of HOMA-IR <3.16 and insulin levels <18 μU/mL (125 pmol/L) were included in the study.

Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed on all cases. Subjects were divided into two groups: subjects with and without IR using an insulin peak of ≥150 μU/mL (1041.8 pmol/L) and/or ≥75 μU/mL (520.9 pmol/L) 120 min after glucose charge and the sum of insulin levels >2083.5 pmol/L (300 μU/mL) in OGTT. IR risk factors were defined as family history of diabetes mellitus, acanthosis nigricans (AN), and hepatic steatosis.

IR was detected in 61 (62.9%) patients. The IR group had significantly more frequent AN (p=0.0001). As the number of risk factors increased, the frequency of IR also increased (p=0.01).

We advise to perform OGTT in obese adolescents with normal HOMA-IR, if they have risk factors for IR.