Waist circumference and insulin levels in obese children
Abstract: Childhood obesity is
one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. Its
prevalence has increased at an alarming rate. Overweight and obese children are
prone to obesity in adulthood and to developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. Increased waist
circumference has been shown to contribute to the risk of metabolic syndrome in
obese adults.
Objective To assess for a correlation between waist circumference and
insulin level in obese children.
Methods In this cross-sectional study, obese children aged 6-10 years
were included by consecutive sampling. We excluded children with infectious
disease, malignancy, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or those who had
not fasted before the blood draw. Subjects underwent waist circumference and
fasting blood glucose measurements. Serum insulin levels were examined by
enzyme-labeled chemiluminescent immunometric assay,after subjects had fasted
for 10-14 hours. Data were analyzed by correlation analysis.
Results Subjects had a mean waist circumference of 80.2 cm (SD 7.2) and
mean insulin level of 10.70 (SD 7.5). µIU/mL Pearson’s correlation test
revealed a significant, moderately positive correlation between waist
circumference and elevated insulin level (r=0.45; P=0.006).
Conclusion Waist circumference and insulin level have a significant,
moderate, positive correlation in obese children. As such, waist circumference
may be a simple method for early detection of hyperinsulinemia, as a risk
factor for metabolic syndrome.
Keywords: waist circumference;
insulin level; obese; children
Author: Vina Paramitha
Cempaka, I Gusti Lanang Sidiartha
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg170042
