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Ethnic differences in insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function among Asian men
V M H Tan1, Y S Lee2, K Venkataraman3
11] Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore [2] Department of Paediatric, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Lean Asian Indians are less insulin sensitive than Chinese and Malays, with lower beta-cell function. Chinese individuals exhibit the highest insulin sensitivity, while Malays show higher glucose excursions post-meal. These ethnic differences suggest varied pathways to type 2 diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic Health
- Endocrinology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Lean Asian Indians exhibit lower insulin sensitivity compared to Chinese and Malays.
- Pancreatic beta-cell function differences across these ethnic groups remain understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pancreatic beta-cell function in relation to insulin sensitivity.
- To compare these metabolic parameters among Chinese, Malay, and Asian Indian men in Singapore.
Main Methods:
- Sub-group analysis of 59 lean, normoglycemic adult males (Chinese, Malay, Asian Indian).
- Insulin sensitivity assessed via homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance, euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (ISI-clamp), and Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISI-Mat).
- Beta-cell function evaluated using homeostatic model assessment-beta-cell function, insulinogenic index, and insulin secretion index.
Main Results:
- Asian Indians had higher body fat and waist circumference despite similar BMI.
- Chinese were most insulin sensitive; Asian Indians were least insulin sensitive.
- Malays showed higher postprandial glucose excursion but similar insulin response to other groups.
Conclusions:
- Significant ethnic variations exist in insulin sensitivity among lean Asians.
- Asian Indians are least insulin sensitive, while Chinese are most sensitive.
- Malays exhibit impaired beta-cell response relative to glucose excursion, suggesting distinct type 2 diabetes mellitus pathways.
