Age- and sex-specific trends of HOMA-IR values in adolescents from 2007–2010 to 2019–2020 in Korea

Abstract

Abstract Background/Objectives: Changes in the percentile value of the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) value in adolescents in Korea are yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the age- and sex-specific trends in insulin resistance (IR) according to the HOMA-IR in Korean adolescents, using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV, VI, and VIII conducted between 2007–2010 and 2019–2020. Subjects/Methods: Overall, 4621 adolescents (2484 boys and 2137 girls) aged 10–18 years were evaluated. Among them, 3473 subjects (1855 boys and 1618 girls) were from the 2007–2010 dataset, and 1148 subjects (629 boys and 519 girls) were from the 2019–2020 dataset. The subjects were grouped according to body mass index (BMI) and evaluated according to age and sex. Percentile curves of HOMA-IR were calculated as a function of age and stratified by sex and BMI group. Results: In the normal weight group, HOMA-IR values peaked at age 12–14 years in boys and at age 10–12 years in girls. In the overweight/obese group, HOMA-IR values did not show a specific pattern according to age. In the normal-weight group, there was no difference in the mean HOMA-IR values between 2007–2010 and 2019–2020, but the distribution range was wider in 2019–2020 than in 2007–2010. Meanwhile, in the overweight/obese group, HOMA-IR values were significantly higher in 2019–2020 than in 2007–2010. Conclusions: Percentiles of HOMA-IR vary significantly according to age, sex, and BMI among Korean adolescents. Therefore, because the value of HOMA-IR in adolescents is affected by several factors, including age, sex, weight status, and race, these factors should be considered when clinically utilizing HOMA-IR. In addition, active intervention for IR, especially during the growth spurt period, is needed.