Diabetes Risk, Low Fitness, and Energy Insufficiency Levels among Children from Poor Families

BackgroundLow-income populations have higher rates of type 2 diabetes and it is the hope of the investigators to increase support for the dissemination of evidence-based prevention programs aimed at children from poor families.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of high blood glucose, obesity, low fitness, and energy insufficiency levels among children from poor families.DesignThe cross-sectional study conducted in fall 2001 used fasting capillary glucose, body mass index, body fat, step test, and three 24-hour dietary recalls to assess diabetes risk factor levels.SubjectsParticipants were 1,402 fourth-grade students aged 8 to 10 years. The racial/ethnic backgrounds were 80% Mexican American, 10% African American, 5% Asian American, and 5% non-Hispanic white.Statistical analysis performedAll data were analyzed for descriptive statistics and frequencies of distribution. Means were computed by sex for all diabetes risk factors and t test conducted to determine differences between sexes.ResultsNearly 75% of participants lived in households with <$20,400 annual income. Although 44% of students were energy insufficient, 33% were obese, and 7% had high blood glucose levels. Most of these students had marginal to unacceptable fitness levels and consumed high energy-dense and low nutrient-dense foods.ConclusionsChildren living in poverty have high levels of diabetes risk factors and need early detection and intervention programs. Prudent advice might be to increase physical activity and intake of nutrient-dense foods rather than to restrict energy intake.