CME Article

Insulin Resistance in Pediatric Disease

  • Pediatric Annals
  • February 2012 - Volume 41 · Issue 2: e1-e7
  • DOI: 10.3928/00904481-20120110-07
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Abstract

CME Educational Objectives

  1. Review the current information related to insulin resistance in the pediatric population.

  2. Discuss the role of insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome.

  3. Review the current treatment recommendations for insulin resistance in the pediatric population.

  Insulin resistance is the cardinal feature of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes and is associated with obesity, hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome.  Although investigators continue to struggle to define what constitutes “insulin resistance” in children, and there are no current evidence-based data to support its routine screening, it does appear that prevention strategies are warranted, especially in high-risk individuals.  This review summarizes the current “state-of-the-art” information related to insulin resistance in the pediatric population and specifically describes the role of insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of two common pediatric conditions, metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome.  Treatment recommendations to improve insulin sensitivity in children and adolescents are also described.  

AUTHORS

Andrew A. Bremer, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN.

Dr. Bremer has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Address correspondence to: Andrew A. Bremer, MD, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Vanderbilt University, 2200 Children’s Way, 11134-A DOT-9170, Nashville, TN 37232-9170; email: .andrew.a.bremer@vanderbilt.edu

doi: 10.3928/00904481-20120110-07

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