THE ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL CORONARY RISK-FACTORS IN INSULIN AND GLUCOSE-METABOLISM

The association between psychological coronary risk factors and serum insulin, and C-peptide and blood glucose concentrations, [the latter m easured while fasting and during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT )], was examined in healthy middle-aged men (n = 64). The results indi cate that among the evaluated psychological risk factors, high levels of hostile paranoia and vital exhaustion were most consistently associ ated with an enhanced insulin/glucose ratio, and enhanced insulin, C-p eptide and glucose responses during OGTT. The associations persisted a fter controlling for age, smoking, alcohol consumption and visceral fa t distribution. Thus, in addition to age, life-style factors and obesi ty, psychological factors may have an effect on insulin and glucose me tabolism.