Endocrine Abstracts

Prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents is reaching epidemic proportions. It is followed by the increase in incidence of type 2 diabetes (DM2) and dyslipidemia, and both disorders are risk factors of cardiovascular complications.

Aim: The aim was to define the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), DM2, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia in overweight children and adolescents in Croatia.

Subjects and methods: In 498 overweight children (266 girls, 232 boys) aged 1–19 years, with body mass index (BMI) >90%, a standard oral glucose tolerance test was performed (referent values according to American Diabetes Association) and cholesterol and triglyceride levels were determined (referent values according to Lipid Research Clinic Program Percentile Levels Defining, levels >95th percentile were considered increased).

Results: IGT was found in 52 children (10.4%) with no statistically significant difference according to age, sex or BMI. DM2 was found in two children (0.4%). Increased cholesterol levels were found in 86 children (17.3%), significantly more often in boys than in girls (21.6%: 13.5%; P<0.001). Increased triglyceride levels were found in 150 children (30.1%), also significantly more frequently in boys (35.8%: 25.2%; P<0.01). Increase of both cholesterol and triglyceride levels were found in 90 children (9.8%) with significantly higher BMI (P<0.05) and no difference according to age and sex.

Conclusion: Incidence of IGT in overweight children in our population (10.4%) is smaller than in USA (20–25%), and it resembles the incidence in Western Europe (6.3–11%). Incidence of DM2 was fortunately very small (0.4%).

Data of increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels in overweight children (17.3 and 30.1%) are close to those in literature.

Obesity prevention programs and interventional diet regimens in already overweight children are essential for reducing the risk of DM2 and cardiovascular complications.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.