Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Impact of Reduced Resistance Exercise Volume on Metabolic Health
06:13

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Impact of Reduced Resistance Exercise Volume on Metabolic Health

Published on: December 1, 2023

2.0K

Childhood wrist circumference is not a predictor of insulin resistance in adulthood

Ashley N Watkins1, Aaron S Kelly2, Ronald J Prineas3

  • 1Laboratory of Integrative Human Physiology, School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|January 18, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Childhood wrist circumference does not predict adult insulin resistance. This study tracked individuals for 30 years, finding no link between early measurements and later metabolic health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric endocrinology
  • Metabolic health research
  • Longitudinal cohort studies

Background:

  • Insulin resistance is a growing public health concern.
  • Early life factors are increasingly recognized as influencing adult metabolic outcomes.
  • The predictive value of anthropometric measures in childhood for adult metabolic syndrome requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between prepubertal wrist circumference and adult insulin resistance.
  • To determine if childhood wrist size is a reliable biomarker for future metabolic dysfunction.
  • To evaluate the long-term predictive utility of early anthropometry in a cohort study.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study design tracking subjects from childhood to adulthood (approx. 30 years).
  • Measurement of wrist circumference in prepubertal children.
  • Assessment of insulin resistance in the same subjects during adulthood.
  • Statistical analysis to determine predictive relationships.

Main Results:

  • Childhood wrist circumference measurements were obtained.
  • Adult insulin resistance was assessed in the same cohort.
  • No statistically significant correlation was found between childhood wrist circumference and adult insulin resistance.
  • The findings indicate a lack of predictive power for this specific anthropometric marker.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood wrist circumference is not a predictor of adult insulin resistance.
  • Early life anthropometric measurements, specifically wrist size, may not be suitable biomarkers for predicting future metabolic health.
  • Further research is needed to identify reliable early life predictors of insulin resistance.

More Related Videos

Combined Intravital Microscopy and Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography of the Mouse Hindlimb to Study Insulin-induced Vasodilation and Muscle Perfusion08:22

Combined Intravital Microscopy and Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography of the Mouse Hindlimb to Study Insulin-induced Vasodilation and Muscle Perfusion

Published on: March 20, 2017

9.3K
Differentiated Mouse Adipocytes in Primary Culture: A Model of Insulin Resistance09:48

Differentiated Mouse Adipocytes in Primary Culture: A Model of Insulin Resistance

Published on: February 17, 2023

3.8K

Related Concept Videos

Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications01:15

Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications

For most patients, experiencing several weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, and significant weight loss may indicate the presence of diabetes. Furthermore, adults displaying the phenotypic appearance of type 2 diabetes (particularly those who are obese and not initially insulin-requiring), may have islet cell autoantibodies, suggesting autoimmune-mediated β cell destruction and a diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA). The categorization of glucose homeostasis is...
2.9K
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction01:26

Type II Diabetes I: Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, in which target tissues such as the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue respond poorly to insulin. It is also associated with inadequate compensatory insulin secretion, where pancreatic β-cells fail to produce sufficient insulin. Together, these abnormalities lead to persistent hyperglycemia.EtiologyT2DM develops through a complex interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental or...
2
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
6.5K
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
5.9K
Carbohydrate Metabolism01:36

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Carbohydrates are polymers composed of molecules containing atoms of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. One gram of carbohydrate can provide four kilo-calories of energy, which makes it the most efficient instant energy source.
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
15.3K
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects01:16

Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects

Insulin-replacement therapy usually includes both long-acting insulin (basal) and short-acting insulin (to cater to postprandial needs). In a diverse group of type 1 diabetes patients, the average daily insulin dose is typically 0.5-0.7 units/kg body weight. However, obese patients and pubertal adolescents may need more due to insulin resistance.
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
1.3K