RISK FACTORS FOR PREDIABETES IN OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE PRE-TEENS AND ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

We looked for easy-to-use and predictable tools for identifying early risk of prediabetes (PD) and preventing the natural course to diabetes in overweight and obese pre-teens and adolescents. In 89 children (9-18 years) family history, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), acanthosis nigricans, blood pressure (BP), lipids, HbA1c, fasting glucose and oral glucose tolerance test were determined. We found 69 (77.5%) obese (BMI≥95th percentile) and 20 (22.5%) overweight children (BMI 85th-95th percentiles); thirty-six (41.4%) had PD; two had type 2 diabetes mellitus; two had metabolic syndrome. PD was associated with obesity (RR 5.1), HbA1c>5.5% (RR 2.5), acanthosis nigricans (RR=1.9), male gender ≥170 mg/dL (RR=1.8), high BP (RR=1.7), urban area (RR=1.6). BMI, WC, HbA1c and acanthosis nigricans are the major predictors for PD in this population. All blood values are both easy to measure and to accept by children, using finger prick method.