School-based Intervention Acutely Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Decreases Inflammatory Markers and Body Fatness in Junior High School Students

Context: Risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) include obesity, family history, dyslipidemia, a proinflammatory state, impaired insulin secretory capacity, and insulin resistance.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a 3- to 4-month school-based intervention consisting of health, nutrition, and exercise classes plus an aerobic exercise program on diabetes risk.

Design: This study was a randomized before/after controlled trial.

Methods: Seventy-three eighth-grade students in a predominantly Hispanic New York City public school were divided into a control group (studied twice without receiving the intervention) and an experimental group (studied before and after the intervention).

Outcome Measures: We measured body fatness (bioelectrical impedance), insulin sensitivity, beta-cell function (insulin release in response to an iv glucose load corrected for insulin sensitivity), lipid profiles, and circulating concentrations of IL-6, C-reactive protein, adiponectin, and TNF-alpha.

Results: Participation in the intervention was associated with significant reductions in body fatness, insulin resistance, and circulating concentrations of C-reactive protein and IL-6, irrespective of somatotype on enrollment.

Conclusion: Short-term school-based health, nutrition, and exercise intervention is beneficial to all students and affects multiple diabetes risk factors.