Insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome in obese children referred to an obesity center.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome in obese children and adolescents. SUBJECTS: The cohort consisted of 518 patients, 250 boys, 268 girls, age +/- sd: 11.8 +/- 3.2 years, BMIsds +/- sd: 2.94 +/- 0.5. A standard OGTT was performed. RESULTS: Impaired glucose tolerance was found in 9.4% of the boys and 5.5% of the girls. Impaired fasting glucose was found in 12.4% of the boys and 11.6% of the girls. The metabolic syndrome was present in 13.9% of children of 10 years or older. The proportion in which the metabolic syndrome was diagnosed was essentially not altered when pubertal groups were used instead of age groups. CONCLUSION: Both impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance as well as the metabolic syndrome are highly prevalent among obese children and adolescents.