Risk Factors For Impaired Glucose Tolerance In Adolescents In A Small-scale Island Society

PURPOSE: Type II diabetes mellitus, prediabetes and physical inactivity are increasing worldwide. Also, in adolescents impaired glucose tolerance and a sedentary lifestyle are on the rise. However, it is unknown if youths in a small-scale island society are on the same trajectory. METHODS: The study was designed as a cross-sectional study. All 15-16-year-olds in the Faroe Islands were invited to participate. 552 (height: 170; 150-195 cm; weight: 62.8; 36.9-127.5 kg; BMI: 21.8; 15.0-39.4 kg/m2) participants volunteered to take part, corresponding to 78.1% of the entire population in this age group. Participants had a blood sample taken for assessment of fasting blood glucose and HbA1c, and they completed a questionnaire on level of physical activity and other risk factors such as heredity and birth weight. Furthermore, weight and height were measured to determine BMI and waist circumference was measured. RESULTS: A total of 33% (Girls: 27.0%, Boys: 39.9%) did not meet WHO’s recommendations for physical activity. Mean non-fasting blood glucose level was 5.3, 3.6-9.8 mmol/l, and HbA1c was 5.15; 4.3-6.2%. More than 37% were characterized as genetically predisposed to T2DM. Waist circumference was 77.1 cm; 59.6-130.8 (Girls: 75.5; 59.6-108 cm, Boys: 78.9;61.1-130.8 cm). For 28% of the participants, the BMI was higher than the 90th percentile, which is defined as overweight for the specific age group. A total of 15% had a BMI >25. CONCLUSION: About a third of the participants were exposed to one or more risk factors that predispose to the development of type 2 diabetes. Physical inactivity, hereditary disposition for T2DM and overweight were the main exposures. In addition, a quarter of the girls showed an unhealthy waist circumference measurement.