A chronological account of insulin resistance in teensReduced levels of CRF- cardio respiratory fitness and abdominal muscle strength in teens are associated independently with high levels of insulin sensitivity, fasting insulin as well as β- cell functioning during young adulthood. This was according to an online study published in Diabetes Care journal.

The lead researcher from University of Southern Denmark in Odense, Anders and his colleagues studied data collected from 317 young adults who had been followed prospectively for a period of 12 years. Those participating in the study had their measurements recorded in their youth for the maximal voluntary contractions in abdominal flexion and isometric back extension using strain gauge dynamometers. Additionally, the researchers also took their CRF by performing a test known as the maximal cycle ergometer. Besides this, their fasting glucose and serum insulin were also obtained during their teenage as well as in their young adulthood.

Preventing β cell dysfunction and insulin resistance in youth

From the data obtained, the researchers concluded that every difference in standard deviation on their isometric muscle strength in youth (0.16 N/kg) homeostasis model insulin resistance and fasting insulin resistance and the β cell function in adulthood changed significantly by -11.3 percent, -12.2 percent and -8.9 respectively in the adulthood. The findings were reported after CRF adjusting was made as well as demographic factors and personal lifestyle. The researchers noted that even making additional abdominal adiposity and general adjustment in youth, the final results stayed consistent. They also noted an additive association between CRF with HOMA- β, HOMA- IR and fasting strength with muscle strength. The adolescents in the highest specific sex tertile for CRF and isometric muscle strength recorded lowest levels for the glucose metabolism results. The researcher said that increasing CRF and muscle strength should top primordial prevention strategies for youths on β cell dysfunction and insulin resistance.

The background of insulin resistance

Insulin resistance refers to a state whereby a given insulin concentration generates less than the normal biological effects. Arbitrary, insulin resistance is defined as the need for 200 or additional insulin units per day for prevention of ketosis and controlling glycemic. The characteristics of insulin resistance are represented by a wide range of clinical signs, including glucose intolerance, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and obesity and sometimes an extreme state of insulin resistance. Most of these disorders are largely linked to various genetic, metabolic and endocrine conditions. The same syndromes are also associated with some immunological diseases as well as exhibition of some distinct phenotypic characteristics. The metabolic syndrome of insulin resistance has also been referred to as either dysmetabolic syndrome or syndrome X.  This specific has of late become very common due to its increasing importance in public health. Ideally, in clinical practices, there is no one single test that can be done in the laboratory to fully diagnose the state of insulin resistance. Instead, diagnosing insulin resistance syndrome is based on previous clinical findings accompanied by a spectrum of laboratory tests.