Evaluation of insulin sensitivity with a new lipid-based index in non-diabetic postmenopausal overweight and obese women before and after a weight loss intervention.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the validity of a new lipid-based index (Disse index) in assessing insulin sensitivity (IS) compared with the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic (HIEG) clamp in overweight and obese, non-diabetic, postmenopausal women, before and after a weight loss intervention.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Association between Disse index and the HIEG clamp was evaluated in 86 non-diabetic postmenopausal overweight and obese women before and after weight loss. Percentage changes (%Delta) were calculated for several fasting indices and compared with %Delta of HIEG clamp.

RESULTS

We observed a strong correlation between Disse index and HIEG clamp (r=0.69, P<0.001). This association was higher than those of homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and McAuley indices while no significant difference was observed with Revised-QUICKI. Percent change of Disse index (pre- versus post-weight loss program) was significantly correlated with %Delta of HIEG clamp (r=0.34, P<0.01). This correlation was similar to those observed for the other indices tested.

CONCLUSIONS

We validated the reliability of Disse index in assessing IS in non-diabetic post-menopausal overweight and obese women, before and after weight loss intervention. Disse index may be useful not only for insulin resistant diagnostics in this type of population, but also for the IS follow-up after a weight-loss program and weight stabilization. The presence of lipid elements in this fasting index improves the estimation of IS in overweight and obese non-diabetic post-menopausal women and could add more information about peripheral IS.