Anthropometric and Biochemical Markers of Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is associated with obesity, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes mellitus, predisposing to adverse cardiovascular outcomes and cerebrovascular disease. This makes it important to identify persons with increased insulin resistance as they are at high risk of vascular problems and related morbidity and mortality. This study was done to assess noninvasive markers of insulin resistance used in routine clinical practice such as anthropometry, lipid profile and hsCRP and to determine their correlation with insulin resistance. A cross- sectional study including 90 subjects was conducted. Each participant underwent anthropometric assessment including BMI, Waist and Hip circumference measurements, fasting insulin, fasting glucose, fasting lipid profile and hsCRP measurements. Statistical Analysis was done using SPSS version 15 and results analyzed by spearmans correlation coefficient. Linear regression analysis was done to find the relation between HOMA-IR, anthropometry and lipid profile. BMI, waist circumference and serum triglyceride levels showed significant correlation with log HOMA-IR indicating that they are significant noninvasive markers of insulin resistance. Hence simple anthropometry and routine biochemical investigations done as standard care can be used to identify patients with insulin resistance. Appropriate remedial life style and other measures can be used in these patients to avoid adverse vascular outcomes.