Abstract
Reports on the association between hypertension and insulin resistance have been inconsistent even though most studies show a definite association. It is also not certain if the association between insulin resistance and hypertension applies to all populations. To determine the prevalence of insulin resistance in hypertensive Nigerians and to examine the association of insulin resistance with hypertension and some anthropometric indices. Thirty five adults with essential hypertension and thirty five normotensives were studied. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, fasting glucose and insulin were measured. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) was used to determine insulin resistance (IR). The hypertensive subjects had significantly higher fasting insulin and HOMA-IR compared with normotensives (p = 0.02 and 0.04) respectively. There were significant correlations between HOMA-IR, BMI, waist and hip circumference in subjects with hypertension. At multiple linear regression, hypertension and body mass index were found to be the only significant predictors of insulin resistance. The hypertensives we studied had a higher occurrence of insulin resistance compared to the normotensives. This makes it necessary for persons with hypertensive to have regular screening for diabetes and other categories of glucose intolerance as the increased insulin increases their risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Highlights
Hypertension is an important medical and public health problem in both developed and developing countries
This study aims to determine the prevalence of insulin resistance in a group of Nigerians with essential hypertension using the Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) method and to examine the relationship between insulin resistance, hypertension and some anthropometric indices
Thirty five consecutive persons with essential hypertension seen at the General Outpatient Clinics of a University Teaching Hospital formed the study subjects while 35 persons who did not have a history of hypertension or diabetes and whose measured blood pressures were normal were recruited as controls
Summary
Hypertension is an important medical and public health problem in both developed and developing countries. A pathological situation characterised by reduced tissue sensitivity to insulin and marked compensatory hyperinsulinemia has continued to generate interest It has been implicated in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and African Health Sciences Vol 13 Issue 3 September 2013 essential hypertension and is closely associated with dyslipidaemia, coronary artery disease, obesity and a cluster of metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities that define the metabolic syndrome 3, 4. Conclusion: The hypertensives we studied had a higher occurrence of insulin resistance compared to the normotensives. This makes it necessary for persons with hypertensive to have regular screening for diabetes and other categories of glucose intolerance as the increased insulin increases their risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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