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 the relationship between insulin sensitivity and intima-media thickness in the common carotid artery. METHODS: Ultrasound examinations of the common carotid artery and hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp examinations 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. Subjects with cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus were excluded. RESULTS: A significant negative relationship between insulin sensitivity index and common carotid maximum intima-media thickness was observed in both the high-risk group (r = -.45, P < .05) and in the low-risk group (r = -.59, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that an increase in intimamedia thickness, as a possible expression of early atherosclerosis, is negatively related to insulin sensitivity.