Insulin levels in Nigerian adults, children and pregnant women.

Abstract

Immunoreactive insulin (IRI) has been measured in a group of Nigerians. In 39 adults, 23 children and 34 pregnant women, IRI in morning blood samples showed high mean fasting levels which may be related to the traditional highcarbohydrate diet. Fasting plasma insulin levels were all below 53 µu/ml and values in males and non-pregnant women were respectively higher than in females and pregnant subjects. The values in children were noticeably higher than those reported from elsewhere and no progressive rise in plasma insulin with age was observed. Following an oral glucose dose in 32 adults, delayed maximal insulin response was generally observed. In 25% the pattern of insulin response was indicative of prediabetes. However, it is suggested that this rather high prediabetic rate may not represent the true incidence of the condition but may be partly influenced by gastrointestinal factors which may be peculiar to subjects in the environment.