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Morning cortisol levels and glucose effectiveness.
J M Fernández-Real1, R Casamitjana, W Ricart
1Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, University Hospital of Girona Dr Josep Trueta, Spain.
Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental
|March 22, 2000
Summary
Endogenous cortisol levels are linked to glucose effectiveness in healthy men. Higher cortisol is associated with better glucose metabolism, suggesting a role in preventing glucose intolerance, especially in leaner individuals.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Science
Background:
- Anabolic corticosteroids are known to improve glucose effectiveness (SG).
- Experimental models suggest that maintaining normal SG during hypercortisolemia can prevent glucose tolerance deterioration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of endogenous serum cortisol on SG in healthy men.
- To determine if cortisol levels correlate with insulin sensitivity and metabolic parameters.
Main Methods:
- Studied 18 healthy men undergoing a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT).
- Measured serum cortisol and free cortisol index (cortisol to cortisol-binding globulin ratio).
- Analyzed correlations between cortisol levels, body composition, fasting insulin, insulin sensitivity (SI), and SG.
Main Results:
- Serum cortisol and free cortisol index positively correlated with SG (r = .60, P = .008 and r = .48, P = .03, respectively).
- The association between cortisol and SG was stronger in lean subjects (BMI < 25 kg/m2).
- Men with higher pre-FSIVGTT serum cortisol levels exhibited significantly greater SG compared to those with lower levels.
Conclusions:
- Prevailing serum cortisol levels are associated with glucose effectiveness in healthy men.
- Lower cortisol levels, potentially found in abdominally obese individuals, may contribute to altered glucose tolerance via decreased SG.