Children and Adolescents With Marked Obesity, Article Review Example

The authors of this article are investigating the relationship between children and adolescents considered obese with the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes type 2. The specific scientific methods and merits with future predictors for glucose problems in children are detailed in the article along with explicit research results. Diabetes type 2 is typically a long-term disease in adults; however, with young children and adolescents displaying problems the authors are attempting the answer the question of relational factors.

The participants were selected based on age and body weight. Body-mass index was calculated and all participants fell within the 95^th percentile placing them in an obese category. They were given a stabilizing, low-carbohydrate diet in order to be able to test blood work and proceed with the study on a controlled glucose intake. Control tests were added to the method using normal weight children with the obese children to factor in those with normal glucose tolerance and impaired glucose tolerance.

Oral glucose tolerance testing was performed over specific periods of time, with retesting to validate results. The various testing activities were analyzed and calculations performed on the data. Insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity was found using appropriate model assessments. Statistical analysis was then performed on the calculations and results of the testing. Dependent variables and independent variables were noted in the equations. The dependent factor was the plasma glucose level while the independent variables included the results of the various testing methods combined with the children’s age and body- mass index.

Specifically the results showed among the younger group that the females predominately had impaired glucose tolerance. In the adolescent group the numbers were equal among the two genders. The oral glucose tolerance test was given as a metric for validity from the original results. The results were validated based on several years follow-up and retesting. The results further demonstrated that children and adolescents with impaired glucose tolerance were more susceptible for developing diabetes type 2.

The children were also tested for cardiovascular risk factors and none were demonstrated. Risk factors which were demonstrated during this study included age, body-mass index and the results of several blood tests. Interestingly the study did not detect genetic issues for glucose intolerance. The fact that the children were obese had little impact on the study as a risk factor in regards to the degree of obesity. The insulin components of how the body deals with the insulin is the main factor; more importantly based on the fact of extreme obesity than the level of obesity. The study concludes that the problem lies in severely obese children.

This study will impact future studies as investigators and professors look closely at the established fact this study demonstrated by the insulin resistance and specific blood tests results. Insulin resistance precludes glucose intolerance; leading into diabetes if left untreated. Future studies to look at early signs indicating insulin resistance leading to diabetes will be helpful in gaining knowledge in this limited informational field of study. In children going from a normal glucose tolerance into an impaired status, insulin resistance is the most prevalent predictor for problems.

Insulin resistance is a metabolic condition affecting glucose tolerance and future studies of this type can help determine the sequence between normal to impaired glucose tolerance, to a full diabetic state. Combined with hyperinsulinemia and hyperproinsulinemia, insulin resistance is a direct link to the development of glucose intolerance issues. The oral glucose tolerance test is the best test available for early detection of impaired glucose tolerance.

Ethically this study did not pose any problems for the children who participated. Diversity was addressed with the study conducted on multiethnic background participants. Diet and phlebotic blood draws were the primary means of invasion or lifestyle alternation. The diverse backgrounds were included in the findings, however, no affecting features based on ethnicity were found.

This article represents a valid research conducted in attempts to understand the precursors to insulin resistance in an attempt to understand and prevent diabetes in children. Understanding the dynamics of obesity and diet along with blood results and the similarities among the two groups of children is a starting place for understanding and beginning to educate teachers and parents on the prevention of diabetic precursors for children and adolescents.