Relationship Between Systemic Inflammation and Glycemic Control in Firefighters.
Tiffany J Oberther1, Andrew R Moore1, Austin A Kohler1
1Department of Kinesiology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30909, USA.
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
|May 23, 2025
Summary
Firefighter homocysteine levels correlate with higher HbA1c, indicating impaired glycemic control. This suggests systemic inflammation may increase diabetes risk in this population.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Firefighters face risks for metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes due to occupational stress and unhealthy behaviors.
- Chronic inflammation in firefighters may contribute to insulin resistance and disease development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between systemic inflammation markers and glycemic control in firefighters.
- To explore the relationship between homocysteine, C-reactive protein (CRP), and insulin resistance markers (HbA1c, HOMA-IR).
Main Methods:
- Assessed HbA1c, fasting glucose, insulin, CRP, and homocysteine in 20 male firefighters.
- Calculated Homeostatic Model of Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR).
- Used Pearson partial correlation analyses, controlling for age and body fat percentage.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was observed between homocysteine and HbA1c, both before and after controlling for age and body fat percentage (p < 0.05).
- Higher homocysteine levels were associated with impaired glycemic control in firefighters.
- No other significant relationships were found between the studied markers.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a link between systemic inflammation, indicated by homocysteine, and poor glycemic control in firefighters.
- Occupational hazards contributing to inflammation may elevate diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk.
- Dietary interventions could be beneficial for mitigating these risks in firefighters.
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