[Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in children]

Revista Medica De Chile
|December 2, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity is linked to higher insulin resistance, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. Obese children show significantly elevated insulin and glucose levels compared to normal-weight peers.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Health
  • Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern.
  • It serves as a significant risk factor for adult cardiovascular diseases.
  • Early identification of metabolic dysfunction in obese children is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess insulin and glucose levels in Mexican children across weight categories.
  • To evaluate parameters of insulin resistance in obese, overweight, and normal-weight children.
  • To establish baseline metabolic profiles for pediatric weight management.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study involving 21 obese, 14 overweight, and 16 normal-weight Mexican children.
  • Measurements included body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and waist circumference.
  • Fasting glucose and insulin levels were analyzed, with HOMA and QUICKI indices calculated.

Main Results:

  • Obese children exhibited significantly higher insulin levels (14.9 uU/ml) and HOMA scores (3.16) compared to normal-weight children.
  • Overweight children also showed elevated insulin resistance markers.
  • BMI demonstrated a stronger correlation with insulin levels than waist circumference.

Conclusions:

  • Obese children display markedly increased insulin resistance compared to normal-weight children.
  • These findings underscore the metabolic impact of childhood obesity.
  • Early intervention is vital to mitigate long-term cardiovascular risks.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

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...
1.0K
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...
5.7K
Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion01:27

Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion

The pancreatic islets comprising only 1%-2% of the volume are highly vascularized and innervated mini-organs. They contain five endocrine cell types, including β cells that secrete insulin, which is synthesized as a single polypeptide chain, preproinsulin, processed to proinsulin, and finally to insulin and C-peptide. This process is complex and regulated, involving the Golgi complex, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the secretory granules of the β cell.
Insulin and C-peptide are...
2.9K
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...
5.3K
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon01:15

Hypoglycemia and Glucagon

Without prolonged fasting, healthy individuals maintain blood glucose levels above 3.5 mM due to a well-adapted neuroendocrine counterregulatory system that effectively prevents acute hypoglycemia, a potentially life-threatening condition. The primary clinical scenarios for hypoglycemia encompass diabetes treatment, inappropriate production of endogenous insulin or insulin-like substances by tumors, and the use of glucose-lowering agents in non-diabetic individuals. Notably, hypoglycemia in the...
1.1K
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...
14.8K