The incidence of glucose dysregulation in children with metabolic syndrome

Objective − The aim of the research was to establish the incidence of increased fasting glucose concentration and insulin resistance/increased insulin levels within the scope of metabolic syndrome (MS) in overweight and obese children and adolescents. Materials and methods − Two sets of criteria for diagnosing MS were applied to the whole sample (n=206): the criteria for adults, specifically adapted for children, and the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation for children and adolescents. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and insulinaemia were analysed in the first and second hour of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA IR). Results − Increased FPG was registered in just 8.8% of the adolescents with MS, while in 90% of cases, insulin resistance/increased insulin levels. FPG did not differ significantly in adolescents with the MS diagnosed using both definitions, while the insulinaemia values in the first and second hour of the OGTT and HOMA IR were significantly higher in the patient with the MS diagnosed using both definitions (P<0.01). Conclusion − A significant percentage of glucose dysregulation in children with MS was established.