title: Discipline-specific insulin sensitivity in athletes.
abstract: 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.
authors: Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry, Taipei Physical Education College, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors: Yi-Liang
authors: YL
authors: Chen
authors: Chih-Yang
authors: CY
authors: Huang
authors: Shin-Da
authors: SD
authors: Lee
authors: Shih-Wei
authors: SW
authors: Chou
authors: Po-Shiuan
authors: PS
authors: Hsieh
authors: City C
authors: CC
authors: Hsieh
authors: Yueh-Guey
authors: YG
authors: Huang
authors: Chia-Hua
authors: CH
authors: Kuo
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase