Vitamin D Deficiency in Obese Adolescent Girls and Influence of Vitamin D on Insulin Secretion and Sensitivity

Assessment of Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Obese Adolescent Girls and Influence of Vitamin D on Insulin Secretion and Sensitivity

Sub-clinical vitamin D deficiency is a commonly unrecognized disorder in obese adolescents. The investigators hypothesize vitamin D deficiency will be highly prevalent in obese adolescents and those who are vitamin D deficient will be more insulin resistant.

This is a cross-sectional study of obese female adolescents matched for age, sex and pubertal staging. Serum 25-OH vitamin D, intact PTH , lipid profile, serum CRP measurements and oral glucose tolerance tests (with glucose and insulin level measurements) will be done to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and to assess the insulin sensitivity- resistance indices.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female adolescents
• Obese: BMI > 95th percentile
• Menarchal
• Tanner stage ≥ 4

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children with diabetes, other endocrine or acute or chronic medical illnesses, children on oral contraceptive pills, diuretics and anticonvulsant medications