Serum Adiponectin and its Relationship with Insulin Resistance in Nigerian Children Adiponectin and Insulin Resistance in Nigerian Children

Abstract

Background: Adiponectin, an excellent insulin sensitizer, holds immense potential in the management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Despite insulin resistance being a known risk factor for NCDs, the precise association between adiponectin and insulin resistance in Nigerian children remains largely unexplored. Objectives: To examine the association between serum adiponectin and insulin resistance among Nigerian children. Materials and Methods: 172 primary school children aged 4-12 years were randomly enrolled in this study. Anthropometric measurements, including body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, were recorded. Serum adiponectin levels, fasting blood glucose, and insulin levels were measured. Insulin resistance was assessed using HOMA-IR and FGIR. Results: Mean adiponectin levels were higher in females compared to males (p = 0.23). Insulin resistance was observed in 5.2% of children using HOMA-IR and in 1.7% using FGIR. Following adjustment for age, gender and BMI, a unit increase in adiponectin was associated with decreased odds of insulin resistance (OR: 0.956; 95% CI: 0.722-1.266). Increased adiposity was significantly associated with insulin resistance. Conclusion: This study offers significant contributions to our understanding of the association between serum adiponectin levels and insulin resistance in Nigerian children and explores the potential role of adiponectin in the management of T2DM and other NCDs. The insights gained from this study hold promise in informing targeted interventions and shaping future management strategies for NCDs in African populations.