Waist-to-height ratio is as reliable as biochemical markers to discriminate pediatric insulin resistance.
J Pediatr (Rio J) 2019;
95:428-434. [PMID:
29746812 DOI:
10.1016/j.jped.2018.04.004]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Given the importance of incorporating simple and low-cost tools into the pediatric clinical setting to provide screening for insulin resistance, the present study sought to investigate whether waist-to-height ratio is comparable to biochemical markers for the discrimination of insulin resistance in children and adolescents.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study involved students from nine public schools. In total, 296 children and adolescents of both sexes, aged 8-14 years, composed the sample. Waist-to-height ratio, triglycerides/glucose index, and triglycerides-to-HDL-C ratio were determined according to standard protocols. Insulin resistance was defined as homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance with cut-off point ≥ 3.16.
RESULTS
Age, body mass index, frequency of overweight, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, insulin, glucose, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, triglycerides, triglycerides/glucose index, and triglycerides-to-HDL-C were higher among insulin resistant boys and girls. Moderate correlation of all indicators (waist-to-height ratio, triglycerides/glucose index, and triglycerides-to-HDL-C ratio) with homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance was observed for both sexes. The areas under the receiver operational characteristic curves ware similar between waist-to-height ratio and biochemical markers.
CONCLUSION
The indicators provided similar discriminatory power for insulin resistance. However, taking into account the cost-benefit ratio, we suggest that waist-to-height ratio may be a useful tool to provide screening for insulin resistance in pediatric populations.
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