Sign in Subscribe
Cardiology

Insulin Resistance in Teenagers Linked to High Blood Pressure as Adults

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A large, long-term study conducted at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis has found that teenagers with insulin resistance may face an increased risk of high blood pressure as adults. The study, which assessed insulin resistance in 357 teens over 5 years, revealed a significant association between insulin resistance and higher systolic blood pressure. Insulin resistance was also linked to obesity and unfavorable changes in cholesterol levels and other blood fats.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that teenagers with insulin resistance may face an increased risk of high blood pressure as adults, with systolic pressure increasing by 0.42 mm Hg for each unit of insulin resistance at age 13.
  • Insulin resistance was independently associated with higher systolic blood pressure, with no relationship to body mass index (BMI).
  • The study also found that insulin resistance was linked to obesity, with triglycerides increasing by 0.88 mg/dL for each unit increase in insulin resistance and 3.1 mg/dL per each unit of BMI.
  • The results indicate that treating insulin resistance in at-risk children may be crucial in preventing cardiovascular risk and type 2 diabetes later in life.
  • Dr. Alan Sinaiko, professor of pediatrics at the University of Minnesota, emphasized the importance of addressing insulin resistance in childhood to prevent high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Statistics:

  • The study involved 357 children with an average age of 13 at the start of the study.
  • The children underwent evaluations of their body's response to insulin three times over the course of the 5.5-year study.
  • The average blood pressure for the study group was 109/55 mm Hg in 198 boys and 106/58 mm Hg in 159 girls at age 13.
  • At age 19, systolic blood pressure increased by 0.42 mm Hg for each unit of insulin resistance at age 13, and by 0.81 mm Hg for each unit increase in BMI.

Sources:

  • "Teenagers with Insulin Resistance at Higher Risk for High Blood Pressure," NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net, November 7, 2004.
  • Heart Disease Weekly, via NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net.

Read more