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Minimal Model-Derived Insulin Sensitivity Index Underestimates Insulin Sensitivity in Black Americans
Andin Fosam1, Susan Yuditskaya1, Camila Sarcone1
1Clinical Endocrine Section, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
Objective:
To examine the ethnic differences in insulin sensitivity (SI) as measured by the minimal model approach (SI-MM) and the reference method, the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC).
Research Design And Methods:
In a prospective study design, thirty Black Americans (BA) were age, sex, and BMI matched with non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Participants underwent frequently sampled intravenous tolerance test (FSIVGTT) and EHC on 2 separate days during a single visit.
Results:
SI-MM values were significantly lower in BA when compared with NHW (0.035 ± 0.025 vs. 0.058 ± 0.036 [dL/min]/[μU/mL]; P = 0.003). However, there were no ethnic differences in SI measured by EHC (0.028 ± 0.012 vs. 0.035 ± 0.019 [dL/min]/[μU/mL]; P = 0.18).
Conclusions:
SI-MM systematically underestimates SI in BA when compared with NHW. These findings suggest that studies inferring lower SI in BA based on FSIVGTT and SI-MM should be interpreted cautiously.
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