Association of Body Mass Index,Blood Pressure and Serum Levels of Triglycerides and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Childhood with the Insulin Sensitivity Index in Young Adulthood: A 13-year Follow-up

Abstract

Background Tracking of body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and serum lipids from childhood to adulthood has been demonstrated in previous studies. Whether these factors are associated with the insulin-sensitivity index measured in young adulthood (ISI_adult) remains undetermined.

Objectives To determine whether any association exists between the ISI_adult and BMI, blood pressure and plasma lipids measured in childhood (1979).

Methods The study included 227 unrelated white subjects (aged 18–32 years). Their ISI_adult were measured in 1992/93, with a combined intravenous glucose (0.3 gl/kg body weight) and tolbutamide (3 mg/kg body weight) tolerance test. BMI, blood pressure and blood lipids were measured in 1979 and again in 1992/93.

Results In men, plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) in 1979 (r_s = 0.25, P = 0.006) was positively associated with ISI_adult and plasma triglyceride measured in 1979 (r_s = –0.34, P = 0.001). BMI (r_s = –0.29, P = 0.002) and systolic blood pressure, both measured in 1979 (r_s = –0.29, P = 0.002) were associated negatively with ISI_adult. In women, plasma HDLC measured in 1979 was associated positively and significantly with ISI_adult (r_s = 0.21, P = 0.024) and BMI measured in 1979 was associated significantly and negatively with ISI_adult (r_s = –0.22, P = 0.018). Plasma triglyceride or systolic blood pressure, both measured in 1979, were not associated with ISI_adult. In gender-stratified multiple-regression analyses [controlling for waist circumference_adult, maximal aerobic capacity (VO₂max_adult), age and women's use of oral contraceptives], plasma HDLC measured in 1979 was associated significantly with ISI_adult in men (P = 0.026) but not in women (P = 0.066). A negative association was found between plasma triglyceride measured in 1979 and ISI_adult (P = 0.045) in men, but not in women (P = 0.30). BMI, total cholesterol and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, all measured in 1979, were not associated with ISI_adult.

Conclusion Low plasma HDLC, high plasma triglyceride and high BMI in childhood are associated with low insulin-sensitivity index values in young adulthood.