[Distribution of fasting glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) insulin resistance (IR) and HOMA beta cell in children and adolescents from Maracaibo, Venezuela].

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 beta 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 beta 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 beta 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.