CAROTID-ARTERY WALL INTIMA-MEDIA THICKNESS IS ASSOCIATED WITH INSULIN-MEDIATED GLUCOSE DISPOSAL IN MEN AT HIGH AND LOW CORONARY RISK

Background and Purpose The aim of this investigation was to examine th e relationship between insulin sensitivity and intima-media thickness in the common carotid artery. Methods Ultrasound examinations of the c ommon carotid artery and hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp examination s were performed in a group (n=25) of men aged 57 to 77 years at high risk for atherosclerotic disease (hypertension and at least one of the following factors: hypercholesterolemia and/or smoking) and in an age -matched low-risk group (n=23) with no cardiovascular risk factors. Su bjects with cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus were excluded. Results A significant negative relationship between insulin sensitivi ty index and common carotid maximum intima-media thickness was observe d in both the high-risk group (r=-.45, P<.05) and in the low-risk grou p (r=-.59, P<.01). Conclusions Our results suggest that an increase in intimamedia thickness, as a possible expression of early atherosclero sis, is negatively related to insulin sensitivity.