Which is an endocrine consequence of pediatric obesity?

• A. Type 2 diabetes
• B. Growth and puberty
• C. Obstructive sleep apnea
• D. Acanthosis nigricans

Answer: (A)

Obesity in children often drives insulin resistance, meaning the body's cells don’t respond well to insulin. Over time the pancreas can’t keep up with the demand, leading to higher blood glucose and eventually type 2 diabetes, an endocrine disorder of glucose regulation. That link to insulin resistance and impaired glucose control makes type 2 diabetes the classic endocrine consequence of pediatric obesity.

Acanthosis nigricans is a skin sign that points to insulin resistance but isn’t itself a separate endocrine disease. Obstructive sleep apnea is a breathing problem, and growth and puberty are hormonal processes that can be influenced by obesity but aren’t the direct endocrine outcome defined by glucose metabolism.