Associations of several anthropometric indices with insulin resistance in children: The Children Study

Abstract

Aim: To compare the associations of several anthropometric indices (i.e. waist circumference [WC], waist-to-height ratio, body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio) with the insulin resistance (IR) proxy measures in Greek schoolchildren.

Methods: A random sample of 248 children was used. Fasting plasma glucose and serum insulin levels were measured. IR was estimated through homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), glucose-to-insulin ratio and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index.

Results: Insulin levels and IR indices were significantly related to BMI, WC and waist-to-height ratio. Glucose-to-insulin ratio and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index were inversely correlated with all anthropometric indices, while insulin levels and HOMA were positively associated with these indices. Generally, all significant correlations were weak to moderate (0.217 <or= r <or= 0.513). BMI, WC and waist-to-height ratio displayed similar correlation with insulin levels (r=0.431, r=0.427 and r=0.354, respectively) and IR indices. Similar results were found using multiple linear regression analysis.

Conclusion: Based on the current findings, BMI, waist-to-height ratio and WC are higher, associated with the IR proxy measures compared with waist-to-hip ratio, among Greek pupils. Therefore, all these simple adiposity-related indices could be used, alternatively, in clinical practice as a simple tool for identification of children at risk for developing IR.