Risk factors associated with hyperglycemia: students of 11 to 16 years in Paranavaí-Brasil and Cáceres-Spain

Abstract

Background

Abnormal glucose metabolism precedes the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objective

Analysis of hyperglycemia and associated risk factors was performed in students from Paranavaí-Brazil and Cáceres-Spain.

Method

Analytical study on a sample of 804 students selected in six schools in each city. Analyzed: sex, age, school administrative dependence, height, mass, waist circumference, BMI, waist height ratio, blood pressure, sedentary behavior, level of physical activity, cholesterol, HDL and LDL, triglycerides and glucose.

Results

Prevalence was high for elevated fasting glucose levels (9.1% vs. 13.1%; p-value = 0.216, in the Spanish and Brazilian groups) and most of the associated indicators (p-value ≤ 0.05). Favorable results were observed for Spanish girls (abdominal obesity: 2.4% vs. 31.1%; sedentary behavior: 5.3% vs. 43.4%; cholesterol: 2.4% vs. 55.3% triglycerides: 15.5% vs. 29.5%). Boys from Spain had an advantage over Brazilians (abdominal obesity: 13.6% vs. 35.2%; activity level: 23.5% vs. 39.0%; sedentary behavior: 21.5% vs. 51.0%; cholesterol: 3.7% vs. 41.0%), p ≤ 0.05. There was no association of glucose with any risk factor.

Conclusion

Special attention should be given to youths to prevent early and prolonged exposure to modifiable risk factors that may alter glucose levels.

Keywords:
hyperglycemia; risk factors; epidemiology