I was absolutely appalled to read that an International committee will be recommending that no child should be tested for insulin resistance, even those with obvious risk factors.  Specifically:

“…Although the document is subject to revision, it is expected to recommend against the use of fasting insulin levels — or any laboratory test — to screen for insulin resistance in children, and against the use of medication to treat children with insulin resistance in the absence of specific diagnoses such as Type 2 diabetes or polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS].”

Women and young girls diagnosed with PCOS have a four-fold increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes than that found in the general population.  Additionally, the majority of females diagnosed with PCOS are already insulin resistant.  And, it has long been known that obesity – even in children, can lead to insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and even type 2 diabetes.  In fact, many children gain weight precisely because they are insulin resistant.

A fasting blood sugar test can detect elevated blood sugar levels but it cannot detect insulin resistance.  Untreated insulin resistance can lead to the onset of type 2 diabetes, infertility, and many other significant medical problems.

To turn a blind eye to children who are clearly at risk for insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and type 2 diabetes for the sake of “cost efficiency” is nothing short of criminal.

Islets of Hope (owner of Pre-diabetes.com) gives a resounding thumbs down to the committee making this recommendation.

Source: Diabetes In Control. International Committee Advises: Don’t Measure Fasting Insulin in Children. September 27, 2009.