Risk of Insulin Resistance in Normal Glucose Tolerant Subjects

Abstract

Introduction : Metabolic syndrome (MS) , with its huge baggage of complications , is emerging as a major threat to lead a healthy life, worldwide. Sedentary habits, urbanization, life style modifications, stress and anxiety contribute to its increasing incidence, not to mention diabetes and hypertension. Routine screening for diabetes fails to detect early MS. Materials and methods: 55 normal glucose tolerant (NGT) subjects, both males & females were selected for the study. Based on modified National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III criteria (Waist circumference-WC 80 cm FM, 90 cm M), they were grouped into - with and without metabolic syndrome (MS). Fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin levels and high density lipoprotein were estimated. Insulin resistance (IR) was calculated by HOMAIR formula. Results : TGL and insulin levels were elevated and HDL levels were decreased in MS group compared to those without MS & this was statistically significant. Among the 55 NGT subjects, 30 people had MS. The prevalence of MS was 43% and the prevalence of IR among NGT was 31% . Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome & IR occur in subjects with normal glucose tolerance also. Hence, screening of vulnerable people for MS should be done to detect potential diabetes mellitus (DM) & coronary artery disease (CAD) in early stages.