Impaired ventilatory function and elevated insulin levels in nondiabetic males: the Normative Aging Study

Lower levels of baseline ventilatory function have consistently been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in prospective studies, but the underlying mechanisms are not known. Increased risk of coronary heart disease is associated with higher serum insulin levels. This report examines the relationship between ventilatory function and indirect measures of insulin resistance. Cross-sectional data from 922 nondiabetic participants in the Normative Aging Study were analysed using multiple linear regression models with adjustment for potential confounders. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were examined in relation to indicators of insulin resistance, i.e. fasting insulin and the fasting insulin resistance index (FIRI). Diabetics were excluded because impaired insulin secretion interferes with the validity of these as measures of insulin resistance. Fasting insulin and FIRI were negatively correlated with FVC and FEV1 (all p< 0.001). These associations persisted after adjusting for potential confounders including age, height, body mass index, waist to hip circumference ratio, physical activity, alcohol intake and smoking in separate multiple linear regression models, for both insulin (all p< or =0.0008) and FIRI (all p< or =0.0001). Negative cross-sectional associations between ventilatory function and indirect measures of insulin resistance were found in nondiabetic males. Insulin resistance may contribute to the previously unexplained association between ventilatory function impairment and cardiovascular mortality. Mechanisms underlying the relationship between insulin resistance and decreased ventilatory function remain to be elucidated.

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