Estimation of fasting and post oral glucose serum insulin levels in hypertensive and obese subjects.

Insulin resistance and consequent hyperinsulinemia has been documented as a frequent occurrence in hypertension and obesity. Fasting and post oral glucose serum insulin levels serve as reliable markers of the state of insulin resistance. In this study, fasting serum insulin levels, as measured by radio-immunoassay method, were found to be more increased in obese individuals than in those with hypertension alone. While, post-oral glucose load serum insulin levels increased more in hypertensive individuals than those with obesity alone. In subjects who had obesity and hypertension together, the fasting serum insulin levels did not show much change while post oral glucose load serum insulin levels greatly increased suggesting a compounding effect.