Researchers at the National Institutes of Health in Phoenix have found that higher blood sugar (sugar) levels in childhood are associated with an increased risk of eye and kidney damage later in life. The study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association in San Diego.
The authors used data from a multi-year observational diabetes study conducted in an American Indian community from 1965 to 2007.
To assess glucose metabolism, the scientists used a glucose tolerance test (PGTT) and a glycated hemoglobin index. The first shows how quickly the concentration of glucose in the blood decreases after a carbohydrate load (patients drink a sugar solution). Too slow a decrease indicates a violation of glucose metabolism. And by the level of glycated hemoglobin, you can determine the average concentration of sugar in the blood for several weeks.
Researchers found that higher glycated hemoglobin and glucose levels in children after OGTT significantly increased the risk of visual impairment and kidney function due to microvascular damage. This negative effect of high blood sugar has also been observed in children without prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
The scientists noted that their results highlight the importance of regularly checking for sugar metabolism disorders, even in healthy children at risk, such as those who are obese.
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