The relationship between serum phosphate levels with childhood obesity and insulin resistance

J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2011;24(1-2):81-3. doi: 10.1515/jpem.2011.116.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the relationship between serum phosphate levels with obesity and insulin resistance in childhood.

Methods: A total of 298 children and adolescents (190 obese subjects and 108 controls) were included in the study. Serum glucose, insulin, phosphate, calcium and alkaline phosphatase levels were measured after 12 h fasting at 08:00-08:30 h. We assessed insulin sensitivity by using the HOMA-IR (homeostasis model of insulin resistance) index as a surrogate marker of insulin resistance.

Results: Serum levels of phosphate were significantly lower in the 6- to 12-year-old obese subjects than controls (p = 0.02, p < 0.05). At the same time, there was a moderate negative correlation between serum phosphate levels and the HOMA-IR index in the 6- to 12-year-old IR (-) obese children (r = -0.26, p = 0.02).

Conclusions: Low serum phosphate levels could contribute to the development of insulin resistance in 6- to 12-year-old obese children.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age of Onset
  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Body Mass Index
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulin / blood
  • Insulin Resistance* / physiology
  • Male
  • Obesity / blood*
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Obesity / metabolism*
  • Phosphates / analysis
  • Phosphates / blood*

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin
  • Phosphates