Elevated 1-h post-load plasma glucose levels in normal glucose tolerance children with obesity is associated with early carotid atherosclerosis.

CONTEXT

Evidence suggests that the 1-h post-load plasma glucose (1-h PG) ≥155mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) predicts development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and associated complications, among adults with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), but relevant data on children is scarce.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether NGT children with obesity whose 1-h PG is ≥155mg/dL have an increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and exhibit non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) diagnosed by ultrasonography, as compared with NGT subjects with 1-h PG <155mg/dL and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

METHODS

Cardio-metabolic profile, OGTT, measurements of carotid IMT and liver ultrasonography were analyzed in 171 non-diabetic children with obesity. Subjects were divided into 3 groups: NGT subjects with a 1-h PG <155mg/dL, NGT subjects with a 1-h PG ≥155mg/dL, and IGT subjects.

RESULTS

As compared with NGT individuals with a 1-h PG <155mg/dL, NGT individuals with a 1-h PG ≥155mg/dL exhibited higher carotid IMT (0.75±0.15mm vs. 0.68±0.15mm; p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in carotid IMT between IGT and NGT subjects with a 1-h PG ≥155mg/dL (0.75±0.18mm vs 0.75±0.15mm; p>0.05). Of the three glycemic parameters, 1-h and 2-h PG, but not fasting glucose, were significantly correlated with carotid IMT. There were no significant differences for increased risk of having NAFLD between the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that a value of 1-h PG ≥155mg/dL in children and adolescents with obesity is as important as IGT with respect to cardiovascular risks.