THE IMPACT OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND DIET ON INSULIN RESISTANCE IN ADOLESCENTS – A CASE STUDY

Abstract

To evaluate the effectiveness of lifestyle and dietary interventions in reversing insulin resistance and
reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes in adolescents. A 16-year-old male with asthma and overweight
status, calculated for a BMI of 27.7 kg/m², was markedly insulin-resistant (HOMA-IR: 8.2). A threemonth intervention with a calorie-controlled diet providing 2,330 kcal/day and an appropriately
sequenced aerobic and resistance training was instituted. The intervention normalized the metabolic
parameters: insulin level 37.7 µIU/mL to 7.27 µIU/mL and HOMA-IR from 8.2 to 1.5. The results show
that the loss of weight, change in diet, and exercise are very important in improving sensitivity to insulin,
especially in overweight adolescents, even those with comorbid conditions such as asthma. Lifestyle
intervention is very effective in reversing early metabolic disturbances among adolescents. Early
detection, multidisciplinary management, and sustained behavioral change hold the key to prevention
of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes