Influence of Biochemical and Anthropometric Factors on the Presence of Insulin Resistance in Adolescents

Background: Insulin resistance plays a determinant role in the development of metabolic syndrome in adolescents. The objective of the present study was to determine the influence of factors commonly associated with insulin resistance in a sample of adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 976 adolescents from southeast Spain. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were performed, and insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results: Subjects with abnormal HOMA-IR values had significantly higher body mass index (BMI), body fat content, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure (BP) than those with normal values. Furthermore, levels of glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, homocysteine, nonesterified fatty acids, and ceruloplasmin were higher in subjects with abnormal HOMA-IR values. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the highest odds ratio (OR) for BMI and that combinations of BMI with body fat content or systolic BP can increase the risk of insulin resistance 7-fold. Discussion: Anthropometric indicators have different levels of influence on the risk of insulin resistance in adolescents, and a combination of two of these indicators is enough to increase the risk 7-fold. Since the highest OR was observed for BMI, the greatest effort should be directed to reducing this parameter in adolescents. An adequate understanding by nursing personnel of factors associated with insulin resistance is a key factor in the prevention of this pathophysiological condition and its complications in adolescents.