One in eight N.C. schoolchildren display three or more h...( h percentile for their gender age and ...),Health

"The body tries very hard to keep glucose normal," Harrell said. "Typically, you would have the metabolic syndrome for several years before glucose tolerance becomes impaired."

Follow-up tests of the children may help physicians determine who needs to be screened for various risk factors and at what age, she said. The data reinforce the need for primary prevention of heart disease in youth.

"Greater physical activity can help improve most metabolic syndrome factors, including HDL levels, obesity, high blood pressure and insulin resistance," Harrell said. "Preventing obesity also helps avoid other risk factors."

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Contact: David Williamson
919-962-8596
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
10-Nov-2003