Comparison of methods to detect insulin resistance in obese children and adolescents

Abstract

To explore the practical and sensitive index for insulin resistance in obese children and adolescents. An oral glucose tolerance test and insulin releasing test were performed in 126 obese (divided into 3 groups according their BMI) and 25 normal children. The ratio of fasting plasma glucose to fasting plasma insulin (FBG/FINS), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), homeostasis model assessment-insulin activity index (IAI), whole body insulin sensitivity index (WBISI) and area under curve of glucose and insulin (AUCBG, AUCINS) were calculated. There were no significant differences in fasting plasma glucose levels, while significant differences existed in fasting plasma insulin, the ratio of fasting plasma glucose to fasting plasma insulin,homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance, homeostasis model assessment-insulin activity index, whole body insulin sensitivity index, area under curve of glucose, area under curve of insulin and AUCINS/AUCBG among these four groups. Whole body insulin sensitivity index (WBISI) reflected the sensitiveness of the insulin earlier than that of homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance and homeostasis model assessment-insulin activity index. Whole body insulin sensitivity index seems to be a better index for insulin resistance for obese children.