Waist-to-height ratio is as reliable as biochemical markers to discriminate pediatric insulin resistance

Abstract Objective: Given the importance of incorporating simple and low-cost tools into the pediatric clinical setting to provide screening for insulin resistance, the present study sought to investigate whether waist-to-height ratio is comparable to biochemical markers for the discrimination of insulin resistance in children and adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved students from nine public schools. In total, 296 children and adolescents of both sexes, aged 8 -14 years, composed the sample. Waist-to-height ratio, triglycerides/glucose index, and triglycerides-to-HDL-C ratio were determined according to standard protocols. Insulin resistance was defined as homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance with cut-off point ≥ 3.16. Results: Age, body mass index, frequency of overweight, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, insulin, glucose, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, triglycerides, triglycerides/glucose index, and triglycerides-to-HDL-C were higher among insulin resistant boys and girls. Moderate correlation of all indicators (waist-to-height ratio, triglycerides/glucose index, and triglycerides-to-HDL-C ratio) with homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance was observed for both sexes. The areas under the receiver operational characteristic curves ware similar between waist-to-height ratio and biochemical markers. Conclusion: The indicators provided similar discriminatory power for insulin resistance. However, taking into account the cost-benefit ratio, we suggest that waist-to-height ratio may be a useful tool to provide screening for insulin resistance in pediatric populations.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Alvim,Rafael de Oliveira, Zaniqueli,Divanei, Neves,Felipe Silva, Pani,Virgilia Oliveira, Martins,Caroline Resende, Peçanha,Marcos Alves de Souza, Barbosa,Míriam Carmo Rodrigues, Faria,Eliane Rodrigues de, Mill,José Geraldo
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria 2019
Online Access:	http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0021-75572019000500428
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