Estimation of insulin sensitivity in children: methods, measures and controversies

Insulin resistance is defined as a state where insulin produces a diminished biological response, primarily in its capacity as a glucose-regulating hormone. Insulin resistance is commonly diagnosed by pediatric clinicians, but is rarely measured directly in children or adolescents. This review provides an overview of the techniques that can be used to assess insulin sensitivity in children, summarizing the methods involved, the assumptions, pitfalls, and appropriate uses of each technique, as well as their validation and reproducibility in pediatric samples.