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Biomedical subjects

S M Haffner

Publications and source records attributed to S M Haffner.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Serum leptin levels in Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites: association with body mass index and cigarette smoking.

Leptin is the protein product of the obesity (OB) gene in humans. To date, no study has correlated serum leptin levels with ethnicity, cigarette smoking, or other cardiovascular risk factors. In this study, serum leptin levels were measured in 100 Mexican Americans and 50 non-Hispanic whites who participated in the San Antonio Heart Study. Mexican Americans had higher levels of serum leptin than age- and sex-matched non-Hispanic whites (21 vs. 16 ng/mL). However, the leptin levels were similar in the two groups after controlling for body mass index (BMI). Women had higher levels of serum leptin than did men (24 vs. 9 ng/mL; P < .0001). There was a strong association between leptin levels and BMI (r = 0.91 in non-Hispanic white men; r = 0.77 in non-Hispanic women; r = 0.81 in Mexican American men; and r = 0.78 in Mexican American women). A model containing age, sex, and BMI explained 79% of the variance in serum leptin levels. After adjustment for age, sex, and BMI, current cigarette smokers had significantly lower leptin levels than never-smokers (p < 0.05). The results suggested that human obesity was associated with leptin-resistance rather than leptin-deficiency. Leptin levels were positively associated with BMI in this cross-sectional analysis. Cigarette smoking may increase sensitivity to leptin, since cigarette smokers had lower leptin levels than did nonsmokers with the same BMI.

Adipose Tissue↗

Serum leptin in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance in relation to insulin sensitivity and first-phase insulin response.

OBJECTIVE: It has been suggested that insulin could regulate the secretion of leptin, the ob gene product, but the findings have been contradictory. Therefore, we studied the association between leptin and insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). SUBJECTS: 39 obese subjects (17 men, 22 women, body mass index (BMI) 30.6 +/- 0.6 kg/m2, age 54 +/- 1 y, mean +/- s.e.m.) with IGT. MEASUREMENTS: Leptin, insulin sensitivity and first-phase insulin response (frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test), anthropometry, infrared densitometric assay. RESULTS: Leptin correlated with BMI (r = 0.36, P = 0.022), fat percent (r = 0.74, P < 0.001) and fat mass (r = 0.53, P < 0.001). After adjustment for sex and fat mass, leptin showed no significant linear correlation with fasting insulin, insulin sensitivity or first-phase insulin response. CONCLUSION: In obese IGT subjects fat mass is the main correlate of serum leptin concentration. First-phase insulin response or the degree of insulin resistance are not associated with leptin in IGT.

Cohort Studies↗

Leptin concentrations and insulin sensitivity in normoglycemic men.

OBJECTIVE: Leptin is a hormone regulating weight in the mouse. Leptin regulates food intake and appetite. Leptin concentrations are increased in obese individuals suggesting resistance to its effect. However, there is considerable variability in leptin levels at each level of adiposity suggesting that environmental and genetic factors may regulate leptin concentrations. We examined whether subjects with decreased insulin sensitivity have increased leptin levels. METHODS: We used a radioimmunoassay to measure serum leptin levels and the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp (with indirect calorimetry) to measure insulin sensitivity in 87 normoglycemic relatively lean men. RESULTS: Leptin levels were significantly correlated with fasting insulin (r = 0.58), insulin area (r = 0.45), overall (r = -0.57), non-oxidative (r = -0.51) and oxidative (r = -0.51) whole body glucose disposal (all P-values < 0.001). After adjustment for body mass index, leptin levels remained significantly correlated with fasting insulin (r = 0.44), insulin area (r = 0.40), overall (r = -0.40), non-oxidative (r = -0.28) and oxidative (r = -0.33) whole body glucose disposal although the magnitude of the associations was considerably decreased. Leptin levels were significantly related to insulin sensitivity in both less obese and more obese subjects. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that leptin concentrations are related to insulin resistance and insulin concentrations in relatively lean normoglycemic men and these associations are to some extent independent of body mass index. Thus, subjects with insulin resistance may be relatively resistant to the effects of leptin.

Blood Glucose↗

Dietary fat and insulin sensitivity in a triethnic population: the role of obesity. The Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS)

From the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS), 1173 men and women of African-American, non-Hispanic white, and Hispanic ethnicity with no history of diabetes were included in an evaluation of the cross-sectional relation of habitual dietary fat intake with insulin sensitivity (SI) as assessed by minimal-model analysis of a 12-sample, insulin-modified frequently sampled intravenous-glucose-tolerance test. Dietary intake was measured by a food-frequency interview modified to enhance sensitivity to food choices within the three ethnic groups. Percentage of energy from total fat was associated with rank of SI (SI(rank); r = -0.06, P = 0.03), with log fasting insulin (r = 0.10, P < 0.001), and with BMI (r = 0.10, P < 0.001). Multiple-linear-regression models included SI(rank) as the dependent variable, dietary fat (g/d) as the primary independent variable adjusted sequentially for total energy, other covariates, body mass index, and waist-hip circumference ratio (WHR). For all subjects combined, total fat intake was inversely related to SI(rank), but this association was not significant (P = 0.14) and was attenuated by adjustment for body mass index and WHR (P = 0.44). The association of total fat (g/d) with SI(rank) differed significantly (P < 0.01) for obese compared with nonobese individuals. Higher fat intake was associated with lower SI(rank) among obese (beta = -1.40, P = 0.03) but not among nonobese persons (beta = 0.16, P = 0.80). Among the obese (body mass index < or = 63), adjustment for body mass index largely accounted for the observed association of dietary fat with SI(rank). These findings were generally consistent for monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fats. Among individuals already at increased risk for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus because of obesity, high intake of dietary fat may worsen insulin sensitivity. This effect may be mediated by the relation of dietary fat to obesity.

Adult↗

Epidemiology of hypertension and insulin resistance syndrome.

UNLABELLED: INSULIN RESISTANCE SYNDROME: Insulin resistance syndrome (syndrome X) indicates that insulin resistance is associated with and may be the cause of several metabolic conditions including hypertension, dyslipidemia, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). HYPERTENSION: Although the association between insulin resistance and hypertension remains somewhat controversial, hypertensive subjects are clearly at increased risk of developing NIDDM. Insulin concentrations are a relatively weak predictor of the development of hypertension. It is possible that the relation between insulin, blood pressure and atherosclerosis may be weaker in blacks. However, antihypertensive agents that worsen insulin resistance may further increase the risk of NIDDM already present in subjects with hypertension.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2↗

Differences in insulin suppression of free fatty acid levels by gender and glucose tolerance status. Relation to plasma triglyceride and apolipoprotein B concentrations. Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS) Investigators.

Most discussions of relations of insulin resistance to coronary heart disease risk factors have focused on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, but insulin suppression of plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels is also important in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. To identify groups with impaired insulin suppression of FFAs, we studied a multiethnic cohort of 1521 women and men at four US centers that comprise the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS): 682 with normal glucose tolerance, 352 with impaired glucose tolerance, and 487 with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. The FFA level 2 hours after a 75-gm oral glucose load adjusted for fasting FFAs was used as the measure of insulin suppression. After adjustment for age, center, ethnicity, body mass index, and fasting and 2-hour insulin levels, 2-hour FFA levels were significantly higher in men than women and in persons with impaired glucose tolerance and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus versus normal glucose tolerance. The gender difference was largely accounted for by differences in central obesity as measured by waist-hip ratio; the difference by glucose tolerance status was not affected by central obesity, suggesting a different mechanism. In multivariate regression analyses, 2-hour FFA levels were strongly related to fasting triglyceride and apoB levels, respectively, after adjustment for age, fasting and 2-hour insulin concentrations, and fasting FFA concentrations. In summary, elevated plasma apoB and triglyceride concentrations associated with male gender and with glucose intolerance are partly accounted for by differences in the ability of insulin to suppress FFA concentrations.

Aged↗

Genetic relationship between measures of HDL phenotypes and insulin concentrations.

We used data from the San Antonio Family Heart Study to determine the HDL correlates of the insulin resistance syndrome (IRS), as reflected by insulin concentrations in nondiabetic subjects. We measured insulin concentrations both in the fasting state and 2 hours after a glucose challenge (2-hour insulin) and we assessed seven aspects of HDL phenotype, including size and concentration of both lipid and protein components. Measurements were obtained from 1202 nondiabetic members of 42 families. Initial quantitative genetic analyses revealed that a substantial portion of phenotypic variation in the nine variables was due to genes (heritabilities, h2, ranged from 0.32 to 0.47). We then conducted a series of bivariate genetic analyses, which indicated that there were significant additive genetic correlations (ie, pleiotropy) between the two measures of insulin and five of seven HDL measures tested, including concentrations of HDL cholesterol (fasting insulin only) and triglyceride, and HDL size distributions of apoAI, apoAII, and cholesterol; concentrations of apoAI and apoAII were not genetically related to either insulin measure. Increased insulin levels were associated with relatively smaller HDL phenotypes, and considering a similar association with small, dense LDLs, this finding suggests a common effect of insulin resistance on particle size distributions for these lipoproteins. Thus, these results suggest the existence of genes that pleiotropically influence variation in both HDLs and insulin levels and therefore contribute to the clustering of proatherogenic traits in the IRS.

Adult↗

Relationship of LDL size to insulin sensitivity in normoglycemic men.

A preponderance of small, dense LDL has been suggested to be more atherogenic than larger, more buoyant LDL. Although several studies have suggested associations of small, dense LDL with hyperinsulinemia, few data are available on the relation of small, dense LDL to insulin resistance. We examined the association of LDL particle size determined by gradient gel electrophoresis with the rates of whole-body glucose uptake (WBGU) as determined by the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp with indirect calorimetry in 87 Finnish normoglycemic men. LDL size was significantly positively correlated with the rates of WBGU (overall, r = .31, P < .01; oxidative, r = .23, P < .05; and nonoxidative, r = .31, P < .01). Rates of WBGU were also significantly lower in subjects with small LDL particles (< or = 26.0 nm) compared with those in subjects with larger LDL particles (> 26.0 nm). This relation was not explained by obesity. Serum triglyceride concentrations were found to significantly affect the relationship of LDL particle size to WBGU. Specifically, LDL size was correlated with the rates of WBGU in men with mildly elevated triglyceride levels but not in men with low triglyceride levels. Serum VLDL triglyceride concentration was a substantially stronger determinant of LDL size than were the rates of WBGU. WBGU was not significantly related to LDL size when adjusted for triglycerides. We conclude that a preponderance of small, dense LDL particles is associated with insulin resistance and that serum triglyceride concentration modifies this relationship.

Body Mass Index↗

Duration of diabetes and carotid wall thickness. The Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Diabetes is a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. However, the role of the primary metabolic abnormality of diabetes (chronic hyperglycemia) in this disease process has not been fully elucidated. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 489 persons with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus; 299 were established diabetics (diagnosed previously) and 190 were newly diagnosed at the time of the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS) examination. These men and women, of three different ethnic groups, were participants in IRAS. Established diabetes (versus newly diagnosed diabetes) and mean fasting glucose level were used as measures of hyperglycemic burden. Intimal-medial wall thickness (IMT) of the internal (ICA) and common (CCA) carotid arteries were used as indices of atherosclerosis. RESULTS: The mean duration of disease among established diabetics was 7 years. The mean CCA IMT and ICA IMT were 872 and 946 microns, respectively. Established diabetes and mean fasting glucose level were positively associated with increased CCA IMT (P < .05) but not ICA IMT, even after adjustment for numerous cardiovascular disease risk factors. CCA IMT was increased by 70 microns in established diabetics (versus newly diagnosed diabetics) and by 26 microns per 1 SD of fasting glucose. Among established diabetics, however, duration of known diabetes (number of years) was not significantly related to IMT. CONCLUSIONS: Among diabetics in IRAS, established diabetes and fasting glucose level were each independently associated with CCA IMT, suggesting that chronic hyperglycemia or its associated metabolic abnormalities may lead to increased risk of atherosclerosis.

Arteriosclerosis↗

Microalbuminuria and carotid artery intima-media thickness in nondiabetic and NIDDM subjects. The Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Microalbuminuria is associated with cardiovascular mortality in subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). However, little is known about this association in nondiabetic subjects. Specifically, it is not known whether microalbuminuria is related to an early stage of atherosclerosis manifested as increased intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries. We investigated the relationship between microalbuminuria and carotid artery IMT in 991 nondiabetic and 450 NIDDM subjects aged 40 to 69 years. METHODS: Microalbuminuria was defined as albumin-to-creatinine ratio > or = 2 mg/mmol in a morning spot urine sample. B-mode ultrasound was used to assess the IMT of the common and internal carotid arteries. RESULTS: Altogether 13.9% of nondiabetic and 27.6% of NIDDM subjects had microalbuminuria, and 31.1% of nondiabetic and 50.8% of NIDDM subjects had hypertension. Subjects with microalbuminuria had greater common carotid artery (CCA) IMT than those without microalbuminuria (nondiabetic: 0.84 +/- 0.02 versus 0.80 +/- 0.01 mm, P = .010; NIDDM: 0.89 +/- 0.02 versus 0.86 +/- 0.01 mm, P = .152; combined: 0.86 +/- 0.01 versus 0.82 +/- 0.01, P = .005). The association of microalbuminuria and CCA IMT was independent of age, sex, ethnicity, smoking, and lipoprotein levels. Although further adjustment for hypertension in the multivariate linear regression analysis attenuated the difference in CCA IMT between subjects with and without microalbuminuria, this difference continued to be significant (combined: 0.86 +/- 0.01 versus 0.83 +/- 0.01, P = .015). In contrast to CCA IMT, microalbuminuria was not related to ICA IMT. CONCLUSIONS: Microalbuminuria was associated with increased CCA IMT. This relationship was only partly mediated by hypertension. Thus, microalbuminuria is related to atherosclerosis at an early stage of the disease process.

Albuminuria↗

Leptin concentrations, sex hormones, and cortisol in nondiabetic men.

Leptin, the product of the human ob gene, is increased in obese individuals, suggesting resistance to its effect. However, there is a variability in leptin levels at each level of body mass index, suggesting that genetic and environmental factors other than overall adiposity may regulate leptin concentrations. No data currently exist on the relation of sex hormones to leptin concentrations in men. We examined the relation ofleptin levels to sex hormone-binding globulin, total and free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, estradiol, and cortisol in 87 normoglycemic men. Leptin levels were significantly correlated with free testosterone (r = -0.14; P < 0.05), sex hormone-binding globulin (r = -0.26; P < 0.05), total testosterone (r = -0.32; P < 0.01), and cortisol (r = -0.09; P = NS). However, after adjustment for body mass index (or, alternatively, waist or hip circumference), leptin concentrations were not significantly related to sex hormones or cortisol. Our data suggest that in men, sex hormones are not important independent modifiers of leptin concentrations.

Body Mass Index↗

Insulin sensitivity and acute insulin response in African-Americans, non-Hispanic whites, and Hispanics with NIDDM: the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study.

NIDDM is usually characterized by beta-cell failure and decreased insulin sensitivity. It has been reported that a high proportion of African-American NIDDM subjects are insulin sensitive. To examine this issue, we determined insulin sensitivity (S(I)) in 479 NIDDM subjects by minimal model analyses of frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance (FSIGT) from the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS), a large multicenter study of insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular risk in African-Americans, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic whites. The African-Americans and non-Hispanic whites were sampled in Los Angeles and Oakland, California. The non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics were sampled in San Antonio, Texas, and San Luis Valley, Colorado. We defined the proportion of insulin-sensitive (S(I)) subjects as > or =1.61 min-1 x microU-1 x ml-1, which is above the median for nondiabetic subjects of all ethnic groups in the IRAS. Using this definition, the proportion of insulin-sensitive diabetic subjects was very low in all ethnic groups (non-Hispanic whites [14.3%] vs. African-Americans [6.5%], P = 0.039 in Los Angeles and Oakland; non-Hispanic whites [6.8%] vs. Hispanics [4.9%], P = 0.737 in San Luis Valley and San Antonio). These results were also similar in newly diagnosed mildly hyperglycemic diabetic subjects. In addition, these results were not affected by the adjustment for differences in obesity, body fat distribution, and severity of hyperglycemia. Even in nonobese subjects (with BMI <30 kg/m2), the proportion of insulin-sensitive subjects (S(I) > or =1.61 min-1 x microU-1 x ml-1) was low (3.6-9.7%). The acute insulin response (AIR) was significantly higher in African-Americans than in non-Hispanic whites; there were no ethnic differences in AIR between Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites. There were no significant ethnic differences for non-insulin-mediated glucose disposal (S(G)). We conclude that the number of insulin-sensitive NIDDM subjects is low and similar among non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics, and African-Americans in the U.S.

Black or African American↗

The relation of proinsulin, insulin, and proinsulin-to-insulin ratio to insulin sensitivity and acute insulin response in normoglycemic subjects.

Plasma levels of proinsulin and its conversion intermediates are elevated in NIDDM patients. Recent studies have suggested that proinsulin levels are also increased relative to insulin levels in subjects who subsequently develop NIDDM. This may be due to insulin resistance or a defect in proinsulin processing or insulin secretion. If insulin resistance is the trigger, the proinsulin-to-insulin ratio would be higher in insulin-resistant subjects than in insulin-sensitive subjects. We examined the association of fasting proinsulin, 32,33 split proinsulin, and the proinsulin-to-insulin ratio with insulin sensitivity (SI), estimated by a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test and the minimal model in 138 normoglycemic subjects ages 53-61 years. We also investigated the relation of proinsulins and the proinsulin-to-insulin ratio to acute insulin response (AIR). Fasting specific insulin (r = -0.64), intact proinsulin (r = -0.43), and 32,33 split proinsulin (r = -0.54) concentrations were inversely correlated and the proinsulin-to-insulin ratio positively (r = 0.31) correlated with SI (P < 0.001). Fasting specific insulin (r = 0.64), intact proinsulin (r = 0.35), and 32,33 split proinsulin (r = 0.45) concentrations were positively correlated and proinsulin-to-insulin ratio (r = -0.40) inversely correlated with AIR (P < 0.001). The proinsulin-to-insulin ratio increased by increasing levels of SI (quartiles of SI from low to high: 0.048, 0.078, 0.078, 0.068; P = 0.012) and decreased by increasing AIR (quartiles of AIR from low to high: 0.088, 0.068, 0.058, 0.058; P = 0.005). These associations were independent of age, sex, BMI, and waist-to-hip ratio. Furthermore, the relation between the proinsulin-to-insulin ratio and AIR was independent of SI. In conclusion, in normoglycemic subjects, insulin resistance (low SI) was associated with a low rather than a high proinsulin-to-insulin ratio. Subjects who maintained normoglycemia with a low AIR had an increased proinsulin-to-insulin ratio compared with those who needed high AIR to maintain normoglycemia. These results suggest that, in subjects with normal glucose tolerance, insulin resistance does not induce increased proinsulin relative to insulin secretion, but rather is associated with enhanced processing of proinsulin.

Blood Glucose↗

Predictors of progression from impaired glucose tolerance to NIDDM: an analysis of six prospective studies.

Risk factors associated with the progression from impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) to NIDDM were examined in data from six prospective studies. IGT and NIDDM were defined in all studies by World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, and baseline risk factors were measured at the time of first recognition of IGT. The studies varied in size from 177 to 693 participants with IGT, and included men and women followed from 2 to 27 years after the recognition of IGT. Across the six studies, the incidence rate of NIDDM was 57.2/1,000 person-years and ranged from 35.8/1,000 to 87.3/1,000 person-years. Although baseline measures of fasting and 2-h postchallenge glucose levels were both positively associated with NIDDM incidence, incidence rates were sharply higher for those in the top quartile of fasting plasma glucose levels, but increased linearly with increasing 2-h postchallenge glucose quartiles. Incidence rates were higher among the Hispanic, Mexican-American, Pima, and Nauruan populations than among Caucasians. The effect of baseline age on NIDDM incidence rates differed among the studies; the rates did not increase or rose only slightly with increasing baseline age in three of the studies and formed an inverted U in three studies. In all studies, estimates of obesity (including BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist circumference) were positively associated with NIDDM incidence. BMI was associated with NIDDM incidence independently of fasting and 2-h post challenge glucose levels in the combined analysis of all six studies and in three cohorts separately, but not in the three studies with the highest NIDDM incidence rates. Sex and family history of diabetes were generally not related to NIDDM progression. This analysis indicates that persons with IGT are at high risk and that further refinement of risk can be made by other simple measurements. The ability to identify persons at high risk of NIDDM should facilitate clinical trials in diabetes prevention.

Adolescent↗

Dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia predict coronary heart disease events in middle-aged patients with NIDDM.

Patients with NIDDM are at increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). However, information on the predictive value of cardiovascular risk factors and the degree of hyperglycemia with respect to the risk for CHD in diabetic patients is still limited. Therefore, we carried out a prospective study on risk factors for CHD, including a large number of NIDDM patients. At baseline, risk factor levels of CHD were determined in 1,059 NIDDM patients (581 men and 478 women), aged from 45 to 64 years. These patients were followed up to 7 years with respect to CHD events. Altogether, 158 NIDDM patients (97 men [16.7%] and 61 women [12.8%]) died of CHD and 256 NIDDM patients (156 men [26.8%] and 100 women [20.9%]) had a serious CHD event (death from CHD or nonfatal myocardial infarction). A previous history of myocardial infarction, low HDL cholesterol level (<1.0 mmol/l), high non-HDL cholesterol (> or =5.2 mmol/l), high total triglyceride level (>2.3 mmol/l), and high fasting plasma glucose (>13.4 mmol/l) were associated with a twofold increase in the risk of CHD mortality or morbidity, independently of other cardiovascular risk factors. High calculated LDL cholesterol level (> or =4.1 mmol/l) was significantly associated with all CHD events. The simultaneous presence of high fasting glucose (>13.4 mmol/l) with low HDL cholesterol, low HDL-to-total cholesterol ratio, or high total triglycerides further increased the risk for CHD events up to threefold. Our 7-year follow-up study provides evidence that dyslipidemia and poor glycemic control predict CHD mortality and morbidity in patients with NIDDM.

Blood Glucose↗

Moderate-to-severe diabetic retinopathy is more prevalent in Mexico City than in San Antonio, Texas.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) between low-income Mexicans from Mexico City and Mexican-Americans from San Antonio, Texas. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We designed a cross-sectional population-based study in low-income neighborhoods of Mexico City and San Antonio. The men and non-pregnant women included in the study had NIDDM and were between 35 and 64 years of age. Ophthalmologic evaluation was performed in 414 patients, 204 in San Antonio and 210 in Mexico City. Seven field standard stereophotographs of each eye were obtained, adapting the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study protocol, and graded at the Fundus Photograph Reading Center of the University of Wisconsin. RESULTS: Early nonproliferative DR occurred in 37 (17.6%) and 39 (19.1%) patients in Mexico City and San Antonio, respectively. Moderate-to-severe nonproliferative DR occurred in 55 (26.2%) and 37 (18.1%) patients in Mexico City and San Antonio, respectively, and proliferative DR occurred in 12 (5.7%) and 7 (3.4%) patients in Mexico City and San Antonio, respectively. Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis with DR as the dependent variable, age, duration of disease, and fasting glucose concentration were positively and significantly associated with retinopathy, whereas city, systolic blood pressure, and other selected metabolic variables were not. We defined moderate-to-severe DR to include the categories of moderate-to-severe nonproliferative and proliferative DR. For this combined category, Mexico City patients with diabetes had a significantly higher prevalence (P < 0.01) than those from San Antonio when analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis (odds ratio for Mexico City/San Antonio, 1.72; 95% CI 1.10-2.70). CONCLUSIONS: Overall prevalence of DR is similar in both cities. However, moderate-to-severe DR is significantly higher in Mexico City.

Adult↗

The homeostasis model in the San Antonio Heart Study.

OBJECTIVE: Both insulin resistance and decreased insulin secretion have been shown to predict the development of NIDDM. However, methods to assess insulin sensitivity and secretion are complicated and expensive to apply in epidemiological studies. The homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) has been suggested as a method to assess insulin resistance and secretion from the fasting glucose and insulin concentrations. However, this method has not been extensively evaluated, particularly in different ethnic groups. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We applied the HOMA model to cross-sectional analyses of the San Antonio Heart Study (n = 2,465). RESULTS: HOMA insulin resistance (IR) was very strongly correlated with fasting insulin (r = 0.98) and HOMA beta-cell function (beta-cell) was moderately correlated with the 30-min increment in insulin concentration over the 30-min increment in glucose concentration (delta I30/delta G30) in an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (r = 0.44). NIDDM was characterized by both high HOMA IR and low HOMA beta-cell function. In Mexican-Americans, HOMA IR in NIDDM subjects was 9.5 compared with 2.7 in normal glucose tolerance (NGT) subjects. In contrast, HOMA beta-cell function showed only small differences in Mexican-Americans (176 NIDDM; 257 NGT). However, the delta I30/delta G30 (pmol/mmol) showed much larger differences (75 NIDDM; 268 NGT). When modeled separately, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was characterized by high HOMA IR and high HOMA beta-cell function. However, when analyzed in the same regression model, high HOMA IR and low HOMA beta-cell function characterized subjects with IGT. These results were similar in both ethnic groups. Mexican-Americans had increased insulin resistance (as judged by both HOMA IR and fasting insulin) and insulin secretion (by HOMA beta-cell and delta I30/delta G30) relative to non-Hispanic whites. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that HOMA provides a useful model to assess insulin resistance and beta-cell function in epidemiological studies in which only fasting samples are available and that, further, it is critical to take into account the degree of insulin resistance in assessing insulin secretion by the HOMA model.

Adult↗