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Abnormal glucose in pre-school children and the association with obesity/physical activity: A large population-based
Shuo Wang1, Weiqin Li1, Yijuan Qiao1
1Tianjin Women's and Children's Health Center, Tianjin, China.
Insights
Childhood diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) are rising global concerns. This study found that moderate/severe obesity and low physical activity in preschoolers increase the risk of developing DM and IFG.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) prevalence is increasing globally in children.
- Population-based data on DM and IFG in preschool-aged children are limited.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing pediatric metabolic disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of DM and IFG in Chinese preschool children.
- To investigate the association between DM/IFG and obesity in this age group.
- To explore the link between physical activity levels and abnormal glucose metabolism in preschoolers.
Main Methods:
- A population-based survey involving 21,571 Chinese children aged 5-6 years.
- Fasting glucose levels were measured to diagnose DM (>7.0 mmol/L) and IFG (5.6-6.9 mmol/L).
- Statistical analyses examined associations with obesity (BMI z-score) and physical activity.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of DM was 0.05% and IFG was 1.18% in the surveyed preschool children.
- Moderate/severe obesity significantly increased the risk of abnormal fasting glucose (OR 1.84).
- Inadequate physical activity (<1 hour/day) independently raised the risk of abnormal fasting glucose (OR 1.79).
Conclusions:
- This is the first large-scale population-based survey on DM and IFG in preschool children.
- Moderate/severe obesity and insufficient physical activity are significant risk factors for early-onset DM and IFG.
- Early screening for abnormal glucose and interventions targeting obesity and physical activity are essential in preschool populations.
Aim:
The rise of diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in children has become a worldwide challenge, but population-based survey targeted on pre-school children is lacking. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of DM and IFG in pre-school children and their association with obesity and susceptible behaviours.
Methods:
A population-based survey was conducted and 21,571 Chinese children aged 5-6 years were recruited from 66 kindergartens in Tianjin, China during the year of 2016-2018. Fasting glucose was measured for all participants. Children with fasting glucose over 7.0 mmol/L was defined as DM, and 5.6-6.9 mmol/L was defined as IFG.
Results:
The prevalence of DM and IFG in the current study among Chinese children aged 5-6 years old was 0.05% and 1.18%, respectively, with significant gender and regional disparities (p < 0.001). The risk of abnormal fasting glucose increased with obesity (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.00-2.06, p < 0.05), especially with moderate/severe obesity (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.10-3.10, p < 0.05). Further analyses found that as compared to children who had at least 2 h/day physical activity, physical activity <1 h/day increased the risk of abnormal fasting glucose independently of BMI z-score (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.10-2.91, p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
The study was the first population-based large-scale survey of DM and IFG which targeted on pre-school children, and demonstrated that moderate/severe obesity and inadequate physical activity raised the risk of DM and IFG early from pre-school. The findings highlighted the necessity of early detection for abnormal glucose and control of obesity and susceptible behaviours.
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