Type 2 diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose regulation in overweight and obese children and adolescents living in Serbia

An increase in the prevalence of pediatric type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been reported by numerous studies in the United States during the past two decades. Available data from Europe are scarce, but also suggest the rising prevalence of this disease in overweight children. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of previously undiagnosed T2DM, impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in a clinic cohort of otherwise healthy overweight and obese Caucasian children and adolescents living in Serbia. The study group consisted of 301 subjects (176 girls, 125 boys) aged 5.2-18.9 years, with body mass index >90th percentile. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed in all subjects. Previously undiagnosed T2DM was discovered in 0.3% (n = 1) and impaired glucose regulation in 15.9% (n = 48) of the subjects. Isolated IFG was detected in 4.3% (n = 13), isolated IGT in 8.3% (n = 25) and combined IFG and IGT in 3.3% (n = 10) of the subjects. Disturbances of glucose metabolism were present in a substantial number of the subjects, which emphasizes the need for prevention and treatment of childhood obesity. International Journal of Obesity (2012) 36, 1479-1481; doi:10.1038/ijo.2011.273; published online 24 January 2012