Predicting the Chance of Developing Diabetes in Youth

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Elevated fasting triglycerides predict impaired glucose tolerance in adolescents at risk for type 2 diabetes, by K. Love-Osborne and colleagues. Pediatr Diabetes 7:205–210, 2006.

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

Obesity and diabetes rates in young people are increasing dramatically. Adults who are likely to develop diabetes often develop the disease in a predictable way. Their bodies become less able to handle glucose and insulin. It’s unknown whether younger people develop diabetes in a similar way.

Having a dependable way to predict which children are more likely to develop diabetes would enable families and doctors to identify who needs the most medical attention and treatment.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

The researchers wanted to know if lab tests were useful for identifying which young people are more likely to develop diabetes. The researchers were especially interested in a test that measures triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) when a person has an empty stomach—known as a fasting triglyceride test. A high test score has been linked to insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), conditions in which the body cannot handle glucose or insulin well.

Who was studied?

The study included 84 participants between 12 and 20 years of age who had signs, such as obesity or a family history, that are known to make the development of diabetes more likely.

How was the study done?

All participants had blood drawn after fasting all night. Several tests were done with the blood.

What did the researchers find?

Testing for high triglycerides was useful for identifying which young patients were likely to have IGT and needed more in-depth testing. The fasting triglyceride test was useful as a screening test.

What were the limitations of the study?

A relatively small number of people were included in the study. A group of similar patients who were not likely to develop diabetes were not included for comparison, so it’s possible that the lab tests are not linked to IGT.

What are the implications of the study?

The fasting triglyceride test may be useful for identifying young people who are likely to have IGT and develop diabetes. More research is needed to understand the link between triglycerides, glucose, insulin, and diabetes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Diabetes Information for Parents and Kids

Pre-Diabetes

Cholesterol, Triglycerides, and Diabetes