Serum lipids, glucose and insulin levels in healthy schoolchildren aged 9 and 15 years from central Sweden: Reference values in relation to biological, social and lifestyle factors

Background. There is a shortage of reference values for cardiovascular risk factors such as serum lipids, glucose and insulin related to biological, social and lifestyle factors for Swedish children and adolescents. Such values are needed for planning and evaluation of public health activities, and for clinical use. Design and Methods. Data for this cross‐sectional, school‐based study were collected during a school year (September to May). A random sample of 1137 girls and boys aged 9 and 15 years from two locations in central Sweden participated in the study, and blood samples were taken from 969 of them. Methods. Fasting serum blood samples were analysed for triglycerides, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose and insulin. Physical examination included measurement of height, weight and pubertal status. Questionnaires provided family background data. Total physical activity was measured by accelerometer registration. Results. Serum levels differed significantly between age and ...