Distribución de las concentraciones de glucosa e indulina basal, HOMA IR Y MOMA ßcell en niños y adolescentes de la ciudad de Maracaibo, Venezuela / Distribution of fasting glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) insulin resistance (IR) and HOMA ß cell in children and adolescents from Maracaibo, Venezuela

ABSTRACT

Background: The raising prevalence of obesity among children increases the risk of insulin resistance and its adverse metabolic consequences. Aim: To determine the distributions of fasting serum glucose, insulin, HOMA IR and HOMA ß cell in a representative sample of children and adolescents from Maracaibo-Venezuela. Subjects and Methods: Fasting insulin and glucose were measured in 418 children and adolescents (191 boys and 227 girls) of 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 years of age. HOMA IR and HOMA ß cell were calculated. Results: Insulin levels were lower in 7 and 9 year-old girls and 7 year-old boys compared with 11, 13 and 15 year-old girls and boys. Fasting glucose concentrations were similar in boys and girls. HOMA IR was lower in 7 year-old girls compared to 11, 13 and 15 years-old girls, whereas boys in every age showed similar values. HOMA ß cell was higher in 11 and 13 year-old girls. Conclusions: Our findings provide useful values to assess insulin resistance and ß-cell functioning in children and adolescents.