The prevalence of impaired fasting glucose and type 2 diabetes in a population-based sample of overweight/obese children in the Middle East.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) are increasing in young population who are facing an escalating trend of overweight. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IFG and T2DM for the first time in a population-based sample of Iranian obese children.

METHODS: This cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted in Isfahan, the second large city of Iran. Overall, 672 overweight and obese school students, selected from 7554 students, aged 6-19 yr, were screened for IFG and T2DM. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and lipid profile were measured in all participants. Oral glucose tolerance test and insulin level were measured in those children with IFG. Insulin resistance was defined as homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) > 3.10.

RESULTS: Among the7554 students (48.7% boys and 51.3% girls) studied, 9.34% (n = 706) were overweight and 5.3% (n = 403) were obese. A number of 672 overweight and obese students including 302 (44.9%) boys and 370 (55.1%) girls, with a mean age of 12.8 +/- 3.10 yr underwent biochemical work up. Overall, the prevalence of IFG was 4.61% (n = 31), the corresponding figure was 2% (n = 4) in the 6-10 yr age group, and 5% (n = 27) in those aged 10.1-19 yr. The prevalence of T2DM was 0.1% (n = 1; age, 18.00 yr). Impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance were detected in three and six participants with IFG, who consisted 0.4 and 0.8% of total obese and overweight students, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Although the prevalence of T2DM is low in Iranian obese children, IFG is not uncommon. Preventive measures and screening of FPG should be considered for these children.