Discipline-specific insulin sensitivity in athletes.
OBJECTIVE
Weight status and abnormal liver function are the two factors that influence whole-body insulin sensitivity. The main goal of the study was to compare insulin sensitivity in athletes (n=757) and physically active controls (n=670) in relation to the two factors.


METHODS
Homeostatic metabolic assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), weight status, and abnormal liver function (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) were determined from 33 sports disciplines under morning fasted condition. This study was initiated in autumn 2006 and repeated in autumn 2007 (n=1508) to ensure consistency of all observations.


RESULTS
In general, HOMA-IR and blood pressure levels in athletes were significantly greater than those in physically active controls but varied widely with sport disciplines. Rowing and short-distance track athletes had significantly lower HOMA-IR values and archery and field-throwing athletes had significantly higher values than the control group. Intriguingly, athletes from 22 sports disciplines displayed significantly greater body mass index values above control values. Multiple regression analysis showed that, for non-athlete controls, body mass index was the only factor that contributed to the variations in HOMA-IR. For athletes, body mass index and alanine aminotransferase independently contributed to the variation of HOMA-IR.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first report documenting HOMA-IR values in athletes from a broad range of sport disciplines. Weight status and abnormal liver function levels appear to be the major contributors predicting insulin sensitivity for the physically active population.
Chen
Yi-Liang
YL
Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry, Taipei Physical Education College, Taipei, Taiwan.
Huang
Chih-Yang
CY
Lee
Shin-Da
SD
Chou
Shih-Wei
SW
Hsieh
Po-Shiuan
PS
Hsieh
City C
CC
Huang
Yueh-Guey
YG
Kuo
Chia-Hua
CH
D000328:Adult; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000378:metabolism; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D056352:Athletes; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001794:Blood Pressure; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase