Fasting glucose: a cardiometabolic indicator for subclinical atherosclerosis on excess weight adolescents

J Pediatr (Rio J). 2024 May-Jun;100(3):305-310. doi: 10.1016/j.jped.2023.11.010. Epub 2024 Feb 8.

Abstract

Objective: To build a model based on cardiometabolic indicators that allow the identification of overweight adolescents at higher risk of subclinical atherosclerotic disease (SAD).

Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 161 adolescents with a body mass index ≥ +1 z-Score, aged 10 to 19 years. Carotid intima-media complex thickness (IMT) was evaluated using ultrasound to assess subclinical atherosclerotic disease. Cardiometabolic indicators evaluated included nutritional status, central adiposity, blood pressure, lipidic profile, glycemic profile, as well as age and sex. Data was presented using measures of central tendency and dispersion, as well as absolute and relative frequency. The relationship between IMT measurement (outcome variable) and other variables (independent variables) was assessed using Pearson or Spearman correlation, followed by multiple regression modeling with Gamma distribution to analyze predictors of IMT. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and R software, considering a significance level of 5 %.

Results: It was observed that 23.7 % had Carotid thickening, and the prevalence of abnormal fasting glucose was the lowest. Age and fasting glucose were identified as predictors of IMT increase, with IMT decreasing with age by approximately 1 % per year and increasing with glucose by around 0.24 % per mg/dL.

Conclusion: The adolescent at higher risk is younger with higher fasting glycemia levels.

Keywords: Cardiometabolic risk factors; Carotid artery diseases; Glucose; Pediatric obesity; Prediction models.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Atherosclerosis* / blood
  • Atherosclerosis* / etiology
  • Blood Glucose* / analysis
  • Body Mass Index
  • Carotid Intima-Media Thickness*
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Fasting* / blood
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Overweight / blood
  • Overweight / complications
  • Risk Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Blood Glucose