Fasting plasma glucose levels in healthy preschool children:: effects of weight and lifestyle

Aim: To investigate whether a modern lifestyle, with a high-energy intake and a low level of physical activity, influences fasting plasma glucose concentration in healthy children. Methods: As a part of the prospective study 'All Babies in Southeast Sweden', 127 children from six preschool units chose to participate. The children, 56% girls and 44% boys, were 5-7 years old. Parents answered a questionnaire about their children's heredity, and physical exercise and eating habits. In the morning, before the children ate breakfast, fasting plasma glucose levels and weight, height and waist circumference were measured. Results: Fasting plasma glucose levels varied between 3.7 and 6.1 mmol/L, with both mean and median values of 4.7 mmol/L. There was no association between fasting plasma glucose level and body mass index (BMI), eating habits or degree of physical exercise. BMI and waist circumference were significantly correlated (p < 0.01). Children who play outdoors most frequently had a significantly lower BMI (p < 0.05) and waist circumference (p < 0.01), whereas children who more often watch TV had a significantly higher BMI (p < 0.01). Conclusion: A modern lifestyle, with low levels of exercise and high-energy consumption, may explain the increasing weight and even obesity of otherwise healthy, preschool children, but does not influence their fasting plasma glucose levels.