Here are the significant risk factors and reasons for testing children for insulin resistance:
1) Elevated A1C levels: High A1C levels indicate poor blood sugar control, suggesting potential insulin resistance.
2) Signs of insulin resistance: Observable signs like dark patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans) or skin tags can indicate insulin resistance.
3) Family history of type 2 diabetes: Genetics plays a significant role in predisposing children to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
4) Being overweight: Excess weight, particularly visceral fat, is strongly linked to insulin resistance.
5) Ethnic predisposition: Certain ethnicities, such as Hispanic, African American, Native American, and Asian American, have a higher likelihood of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
6) Polydipsia: Excessive thirst may be a symptom of insulin resistance and diabetes.
7) Family history of type 1 diabetes: Although type 1 diabetes is autoimmune and differs from type 2, a family history of any form of diabetes can indicate a genetic predisposition to metabolic issues.
Not significant for testing children:
8) Not having had chicken pox by age 16: Chicken pox infection is not directly related to insulin resistance or diabetes risk in children.
