Elevated insulin levels in men: an 11-year follow-up study.
BACKGROUND
Hyperinsulinaemia is linked to cardiovascular disease. This follow-up study examines factors influencing the fasting insulin level in men.


METHODS
All men born in 1936 living in a certain area within the county of Copenhagen were invited for a health examination in 1976 and 1987; 425 men (73%) participated in both examinations. The following variables were analysed: fasting insulin levels, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, physical activity during leisure time, alcohol consumption and smoking.


RESULTS
In both multivariate analyses at age 40 years and age 51 years, the BMI, the fasting glucose level and lack of physical activity showed a positive independent association with the insulin level. In follow-up analyses over 11 years, only BMI changes and fasting glucose changes were associated with changes in insulin level.


CONCLUSIONS
Our analyses suggest that BMI and changes in BMI over a period of time are major risk factors for an elevation of the serum insulin level, but that physical activity may have beneficial effects on the insulin level.
Institute of Social Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
L F
LF
Møller
J
J
Jespersen
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin