The Relationship Between Insulin Resistance And Lipid Profiles In Obese South Asians: An Observational Study
Keywords:
Insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular risk, South Asian phenotype, lipid profiles, HOMA-IRAbstract
Objective: This study aims to examine the relationship between insulin resistance (IR) and lipid profiles in obese South Asians, a population that presents a unique phenotype known as the “Asian Indian Phenotype.” This phenotype predisposes individuals to metabolic disorders, including IR and dyslipidemia, at lower body mass index (BMI) levels. Given the elevated cardiovascular risk in this population, this research explores the extent to which IR correlates with lipid abnormalities and cardiovascular risk factors.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Index Medical College, Hospital and Research Center, Indore – (M.P.), among 165 participants, including 115 obese and 50 non-obese controls. The Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was used to quantify insulin resistance. Lipid profiles, including triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), were measured. Correlations between HOMA-IR and lipid parameters were evaluated, and multivariate linear regression was used to adjust for confounders.
Results: Obese participants demonstrated significantly higher insulin resistance (HOMA-IR: 4.3 ± 1.9) compared to controls (HOMA-IR: 1.9 ± 0.8, p < 0.001). These participants also exhibited significantly elevated triglycerides (184.7 ± 49.1 mg/dL), higher LDL-C (134.8 ± 38.2 mg/dL), and lower HDL-C (39.8 ± 7.9 mg/dL) compared to the control group. Significant positive correlations were observed between HOMA-IR and triglycerides (r = 0.49, p < 0.001), and negative correlations between HOMA-IR and HDL-C (r = -0.40, p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The study confirms that obesity in South Asians is closely associated with insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, both of which significantly contribute to elevated cardiovascular risks. Given the high burden of metabolic disorders in this population, interventions aimed at reducing insulin resistance through lifestyle changes and pharmacological treatments are essential in mitigating future cardiovascular events.
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