[Association between anthropometric clinical predictors and HOMA-IR].

BACKGROUND

The HOMA-IR index is a test that identifies the early risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by measuring insulin resistance (IR); however, these tests are not readily available in primary care settings. Predictors of IR, such as body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), are useful for the early detection of this risk.

OBJECTIVE

To associate anthropometric parameters with HOMA-IR, considering BMI.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted. Serum glucose and insulin concentrations were determined using non-probability convenience sampling and the difference of proportions formula to calculate the HOMA-IR index in 315 adults without diabetes. Anthropometric parameters and visceral fat were considered, and participants were divided into groups according to BMI: normal weight, overweight, and obesity. Differences between groups were determined by Kruskal-Wallis test and the risk of each variable through multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of the 315 participants, 57% showed IR; most of them belonged to the overweight and obesity group. Serum insulin concentrations and IR differed significantly among the 3 BMI groups, primarily in the overweight and obesity groups. WHR is a good predictor of risk for IR.

CONCLUSIONS

IR can be early detected by using validated indices such as HOMA-IR. At the primary care level, anthropometric parameters such as WHR can be used, as it has proven to be a better predictor of IR, phenomenon that occurs much earlier than hyperglycemia.