The use of anthropometrical variables for detection of homeostatic measurement assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in female participants of a physical exercise program.

Background: The Homeostatic Measurement Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) is a recognized and validated method which uses the levels of fasting glucose in blood and insulin of patients to evaluate the insulin resistance.
Aims: The purpose of the present study was to assess the cut-off values for anthropological variables to identify the (HOMA-IR) index in female participants of a physical exercise program. In addition, the association and prediction of insulin resistance by anthropological variables was studied.
Methods: A total of 143 participants (45.64 ± 13.17 years) volunteered for this study. Clinical data were collected by means of a self-reported questionnaire. Body weight and BMI were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis and skinfold thickness was taken using a caliper. Girths were assessed with a flexible metallic tape measures and finally, the HOMA-IR was calculated by the formula as follows: fasting plasma insulin ((μU/ml) x fasting plasma glucose (mmol/L).
Results: The outcomes of the study indicated that the AUC of anthropometrical variables for identifying HOMA-IR are reflected primarily in weight, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-thigh ratio, subscapular skinfold thickness, abdominal skinfold thickness, hip circumference, chest circumference, upper arm muscular girths (tensed and relaxed) (all, p ≤ 0.001), triceps skinfold thickness (p 109 cm (specificity: 99.2  waist circumference > 116 cm (specificity: 99.2 %) and abdomen skinfold < 8.8 (specificity: 97.6 %), predict the HOMA-IR in 35.29 %, 29.41 %, 23.53 % and 23.53 %, respectively.
Conclusion: The present empirical study demonstrates that hip, chest and waist circumference on the one hand, and abdomen skinfold on the other hand are markers that are relevant to the identification of HOMA-IR index in females (Tab. 3, Ref. 33). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: insulin resistance, anthropometry, cut-off value, women, HOMA-IR.