Abstract
BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance is a critical first step in the development of many chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease (CAD). Early recognition of changes in insulin sensitivity and subsequent glycolipid dysregulation is paramount in reversing the progression of these diseases. Since the prevalence of insulin resistance is relatively high, there is a demand for a simple, easy, and inexpensive method for its detection. OBJECTIVES: To assess the association of metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) with prehypertension (preHTN) in normoglycemic individuals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study included two groups with normal blood glucose levels (age and sex matched, 179 adults each) with and without preHTN. Those with a history of hypertension, diabetes, CAD, or on chronic drug treatment were excluded from the study. Metabolic score for insulin resistance was calculated as Ln [(2 × FPG (mg/dL) + fasting TG (mg/dL)] × BMI (kg/m²)/Ln [HDL-c (mg/dL)]. RESULTS: The METS-IR score was significantly higher in those with preHTN (P < 0.001). One-way ANOVA showed significant differences in BMI, TG, and HDL-c according to METS-IR quartiles. Cox regression analysis showed that METS-IR is a single independent predictor of preHTN (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.20, 1.34). CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic score for insulin resistance is significantly associated with and an independent predictor of prehypertension in euglycemic people.