Carotid Artery Wall Intima-Media Thickness Is Associated With Insulin-Mediated Glucose Disposal in Men at High and Low Coronary Risk

Abstract

Background and Purpose The aim of this investigation was to examine the relationship between insulin sensitivity and intima-media thickness in the common carotid artery. Methods Ultrasound examinations of the common carotid artery and hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp examinations were performed in a group (n=25) of men aged 57 to 77 years at high risk for atherosclerotic disease (hypertension and at least one of the following factors: hypercholesterolemia and/or smoking) and in an age-matched low-risk group (n=23) with no cardiovascular risk factors. Subjects with cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus were excluded. Results A significant negative relationship between insulin sensitivity index and common carotid maximum intima-media thickness was observed in both the high-risk group ( r =−.45, P <.05) and in the low-risk group ( r =−.59, P <.01). Conclusions Our results suggest that an increase in intima-media thickness, as a possible expression of early atherosclerosis, is negatively related to insulin sensitivity.