The role of psychological coronary risk factors in insulin and glucose metabolism

Among the evaluated psychological risk factors, high levels of hostile paranoia and vital exhaustion were most consistently associated with an enhanced insulin/glucose ratio, and enhanced insulin, C-peptide and glucose responses during OGTT.

Abstract

The association between psychological coronary risk factors and serum insulin, and C-peptide and blood glucose concentrations, [the latter measured while fasting and during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)], was examined in healthy middle-aged men (n = 64). The results indicate that among the evaluated psychological risk factors, high levels of hostile paranoia and vital exhaustion were most consistently associated with an enhanced insulin/glucose ratio, and enhanced insulin, C-peptide and glucose responses during OGTT. The associations persisted after controlling for age, smoking, alcohol consumption and visceral fat distribution. Thus, in addition to age, life-style factors and obesity, psychological factors may have an effect on insulin and glucose metabolism.