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Lower insulin sensitivity as an independent risk factor for carotid wall thickening in normotensive, non-diabetic, non-smoking normal weight and obese premenopausal women

International Journal of Obesity volume 24, pages 825–829 (2000)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Increased thickness of the intima–media complex of the common carotid artery (IMT-CCA) is an early marker of atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between insulin resistance and IMT-CCA in premenopausal women.

SUBJECTS: 86 young women, aged 18–31 y, were recruited for the study: 28 were normal weight (BMI<25 kg/m2), 23 were overweight (BMI 25–30 kg/m2) and 35 were obese (BMI>30 kg/m2).

MEASUREMENTS: The IMT-CCA was measured by high resolution ‘B-mode’ ultrasonography; insulin sensitivity was determined by insulin tolerance test (ITT) and quantitated by calculation of KITT. Fasting plasma glucose and lipids (triglycerides, total and HDL-cholesterol) were also measured by enzymatic methods. Central fat accumulation was evaluated by measuring waist circumference (WC).

RESULTS: IMT-CCA showed an inverse association with KITT (P<0.05). When the IMT-CCA was considered as the dependent variable in a forward stepwise multiple regression analysis, it maintained an independent association with KITT (P<0.05), after adjusting data for age, BMI, WC, mean blood pressure levels and plasma glucose and lipids.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that IMT-CCA is significantly associated with insulin resistance, independent of other well-known CVD risk factors. Since the IMT-CCA is an earlier asymptomatic sign of atherosclerosis, this study indicates that insulin resistance per se may accelerate atherogenesis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Istituto di Clinica Medica, Endocrinologia e Malattie Metaboliche, University of Bari, Bari, Italy

    G De Pergola, N Pannacciulli, M Modugno, M Sciaraffia, A Minenna & R Giorgino

  2. Istituto di Malattie dell’ Apparato Cardiovascolare, University of Bari, Bari, Italy

    M Ciccone & P Rizzon

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  1. G De Pergola
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  2. M Ciccone
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Correspondence to G De Pergola.

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De Pergola, G., Ciccone, M., Pannacciulli, N. et al. Lower insulin sensitivity as an independent risk factor for carotid wall thickening in normotensive, non-diabetic, non-smoking normal weight and obese premenopausal women. Int J Obes 24, 825–829 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0801239

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