Relationship between insulin resistance assessed by HOMA-IR and exercise test variables in asymptomatic middle-aged patients with Type 2 diabetes

We investigated the relationship between index of insulin resistance (IR) and exercise test variables in middle-aged asymptomatic patients with Type 2 diabetes. Methods: 90 patients (48 men, 42 women; age: 49+/-6 yr) were included in the study. We used homeostasis model assessment for IR (HOMA-IR) index as index of IR. All patients were subjected to treadmill exercise test. Four subjects were tested positive (4.4%). Study patients were separated into three groups: group I (no.=26) HOMA-IR index <2.24; group II (no.=26) index 2.24-3.59; group III (no.=38) index >3.59. Results: group I had less frequency of cardiovascular risk factors than group II and III (p=0.001). Systolic blood pressure baseline as well as peak exercise values, were higher in group III than in group I and II (p=0.048 vs p=0.01, respectively). Higher total exercise time and peak workload were found in group I than group II and III (p=0.04). The recovery of heart rate (Delta HRpr) was similar among the study groups. We found significant negative correlations between HOMA-IR and total exercise time and peak workload. In addition we found significant negative correlations between age vs chronotrophic index (CI), Delta HRpr, and peak workload. There were also similar negative correlations between duration of diabetes vs CI and Delta HRpr. Conclusions: IR is associated with a variety of cardiovascular risk factors. Some exercise test variables point out changes of autonomic tone during exercise in elevated IR group. Negative correlation between HOMA-IR and peak exercise capacity (METs) may well confirm increased mortality in hyperinsulinemia. (C) 2004, Editrice Kurtis.