Insulin response to a short stress period

In 24 healthy volunteers (seven women, 17 men; mean age 23 +/- 5 years), we studied the insulin response to a short stress period of 30 min, induced by cognitive conflict under social pressure. Insulin, growth hormone (GH), blood glucose and blood pressure (BP) determinations were performed before and after the stress period. There was a significant increase in insulin levels following the stress period (p = 0.02, paired t-test). A multiple stepwise regression analysis, with insulin difference as the dependent variable and initial GH and blood sugar levels, their increments and body mass index as predictors, showed that insulin variation was independent of any of the predictors. We discuss the influence of autonomic innervation on insulin secretion and the possible change in insulin sensitivity during stress.