Insulin resistance in overweight cystic fibrosis paediatric patients

AimTo determine the prevalence of overweight in paediatric patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and to analyse its role as diabetogenic insulin resistance factor and risk of hypertriglyceridaemia.Patients and methodsA total of 109 CF patients (47% males) between 5 and 18 years were divided into 3 groups according to body mass index (BMI): underweight, normal and overweight. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, C- reactive protein (CRP), glycosylated haemoglobin, HOMA-IR and QUICKI index were determined. Insulinogenic index, ISI composite and areas under the curve (AUC) for glucose and insulin were obtained by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).ResultsSix patients (5.5%) were overweight. All groups had similar distribution by age, sex and CFTR mutation, although the proportion of pancreatic sufficient (3/6, 50%) was higher in overweight patients (P=.003). The prevalence of glycaemic disorders was similar between groups. Baseline insulin, HOMA-IR, and insulin during the OGTT (peak and AUC) were higher in overweight patients. All patients had a delayed insulin response in OGTT.ConclusionsOverweight CF patients do not have a higher incidence of glycaemic disorders, but their hyperinsulinism and insulin resistance may be additional diabetogenic risk factors.