Screening risk factors for type 2 diabetes in overweight and obese adolescents in school settings of Hungary: A population-based study

Abstract

This population-based quantitative study explored the proportion of at-risk adolescents for development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) at school settings of Hungary. There were 3962 adolescents with BMIs over 85th percentile. School nurses completed a screening form to collect demographic data and risk factors for development of T2D (family history (accounted 83.3%), hypertension (75.0%), Acanthosis nigricans (37.1%), dyslipidemia (20.7%) and PCOS in females (9.6%). 512 students (262 males, 250 females) had at least two signs of conditions associated with insulin resistance and considered at-risk individuals. There was no gender difference regarding the risk factors for T2D, however, adolescents born preterm (X2(1) = 4.292, p = 0.047) and living in rural areas (X2(1) = 5.520, p = 0.022) were more likely to be at-risk. Gender difference was observed in hypertension, and boys were more afflicted with a higher T2D risk. Thirteen percent of adolescents are at-risk for development of T2D in later years. These population-based screening data highlight the need for public health approach. School settings may serve as suitable location where the screening and preventive protocol can be developed. Keywords: Adolescents, Obesity, Risk factors, School nurses, Type 2 diabetes