Triglyceride/high Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio As A Screening Tool For Insulin Resistance In U.S. Adolescents, 12-19 Years Of Age

Abstract

Background: Insulin resistance appears to be a metabolic process that occurs prior to the onset of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. A screening tool for insulin resistance may help clinicians determine which adolescents need intensive lifestyle modification to decrease risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance characteristics of the TG/HDL ratio when used to assess risk of insulin resistance in U.S. adolescents.Methods: A secondary analysis of 2011-2012 data for adolescents (12-19 years of age) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was conducted to evaluate the performance characteristics of the TG/HDL ratio. Results: The performance characteristics of the TG/HDL: sensitivity14.8%, specificity 93.8%, positive predictive value 10.4%, negative predictive value 95.8%, overall accuracy 90.2%.Conclusions: These findings indicate that the TG/HDL ratio would be useful to indicate low likelihood of insulin resistance.