LONG-TERM USE OF NICOTINE GUM IS ASSOCIATED WITH HYPERINSULINEMIA ANDINSULIN-RESISTANCE

Background Insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular risk profile were ex amined in 20 healthy, nonobese, middle-aged men who were long-term use rs of nicotine-containing chewing gum and in 20 matched control subjec ts who did not use nicotine. Methods and Results Long-term use of nico tine-containing chewing gum was associated with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. The degree of insulin sensitivity correlated negati vely to the extent of nicotine use measured as plasma cotinine levels. Conclusions These findings suggest that nicotine is the major constit uent in cigarette smoke that leads to insulin resistance, metabolic ab normalities associated with the insulin resistance syndrome, and incre ased cardiovascular morbidity. Thus, the use of nicotine replacement t herapy during smoking cessation should be transient and limited.