Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin is associated with insulin sensitivity in hypertensive men

An elevated concentration of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin in serum (CDT) has been reported to indicate excessive ethanol consumption. However, in hypertensive men, we found low values for diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, in the individuals with high CDT values, the concentrations of serum triglycerides and blood glucose were low rather than high, indicating that factors related to insulin/glucose metabolism may be operative. The current study addresses this issue by examining 48 patients with treated hypertension and at least 1 of following: hypercholesterolemia, history of smoking, and diabetes mellitus. We determined serum CDT, fasting plasma insulin, and glucose disposal rate during hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. Seven patients had elevated CDT concentrations. This group of patients had higher glucose disposal rates than the others (mean difference, 19 mumol/min.kg lean body mass; 95% confidence interval, 5-33 mumol/min.kg lean body mass; P = 0.0096), but did not differ in body mass index or alcohol intake. Serum CDT correlated positively with glucose disposal rate (r = 0.55; P = 0.0004) and negatively with fasting plasma insulin (r = -0.43; P = 0.0039). These relationships remained after exclusion of 8 patients with diabetes mellitus and adjustment for potentially confounding factors. We conclude that the serum CDT concentrations in our patients were associated with insulin sensitivity.