RELATION OF FASTING INSULIN TO BLOOD-PRESSURE AND LIPIDS IN ADOLESCENTS AND PARENTS

This study was intended to clarify the relation between fasting insuli n, lipids, and blood pressure in adolescents before the onset of hyper tension and to examine the association of these data with similar data obtained in their parents. The participants in this study were 183 ad olescents 14 to 18 years old (96 girls) completing a 4-year interventi on trial and their parents (164 mothers, 122 fathers). Blood pressure was measured twice on the right arm in a seated position using a rando m-zero sphygmomanometer. Fasting blood samples were obtained for lipid and insulin analyses. Fasting insulin was significantly correlated wi th systolic blood pressure in the adolescents and also in the parents before and after adjustment for body mass index. Fasting insulin was c orrelated significantly with levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL and LDL cholesterol in the adolescents. It was correlated only wi th triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol in mothers and fathers. After adj ustment for body mass index, the correlations between fasting insulin and lipids in the children were not significant. A significant relatio n was shown between children's systolic blood pressure and mothers' fa sting insulin and systolic blood pressure. Significant correlations we re found between the children's and fathers' triglycerides and HDL-cho lesterol, whereas significant correlations were found for fasting insu lin and all lipids between mothers and children, and these remained si gnificant after adjustment for body mass index. These results show (1) a significant relation between fasting insulin and both lipids and sy stolic blood pressure in adolescents and (2) a significant relation fo r these factors between adolescents and their parents. Although weight appears to play an important role in this relation during adolescence , genetic and environmental factors other than those mediated via weig ht may control insulin metabolism within families. The data support a role for studies during early biological development to address these issues.