Prevalence of insulin resistance in a young adult population. Relationship with weight status

Abstract

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of insulin resistance using both the Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA) index and basal insulinemia, and to analyze its relationship to overweight, as measured by body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC).

Patients and methods: A series of 118 non-diabetic young adults aged 18 and 19 years attending a primary care health center were studied. They were contacted by telephone, and their BMI, WC, HOMA and basal insulinemia were measured, among other parameters.

Results: HOMA values ≥ P90 (HOMA ≥3.15) were found in 9.3% of the sample (50% in the obesity group). Insulinemia ≥ P90 (16,9) was found in 11%. Based on BMI, 17.8% were overweight (26.5% of men, 11.6% of women), and 6.8% were obese (6.1% of men, 7.2% of women). Based on WC, 5.71% were obese when waist was measured at the midpoint and 15.38%, when measured at the iliac crest. HOMA was found to be significantly correlated to weight increase, BMI, WC, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and blood glucose, while correlation was only found between insulinemia and increased WC and decreased high lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) levels.

Conclusion: In this young adult sample, increased BMI and WC were associated to increased insulin resistance. High HOMA values were found in 9.3% of subjects.