Inuit Anthropometry and Insulin Resistance
Charbonneau-Roberts G, Young TK, Egeland GM

ABSTRACT [full text] [back to issue 66(2)]

Objectives. Due to the increasing prevalence of obesity among Inuit, a study was conducted in an Inuit community to evaluate the anthropometric correlates of indices of insulin resistance using the homeostasis model assessment index (IRHOMA) and the insulin sensitivity index (ISI0,120).

Study Design. Data were collected as part of a health screening in a Baffin community in Nunavut, Canada, among adults 18 years of age and above.

Methods. A total of 52 Inuit participated in the health screening of which 46 completed both the fasting and the 2-hour blood tests. Insulin sensitivity indices could be calculated on 45 participants.

Results. Results for women indicated that in age-adjusted linear regression analyses, body mass index, waist circumference (WC) and percent body fat (%BF) predicted IRHOMA, and ISI0,120 (p<0.05). For men, %BF predicted IRHOMA, and WC and %BF predicted ISI0,120 (p≤0.05).

Conclusions. The present study suggests that increasing rates of obesity among Inuit will have health consequences and that anthropometry is a useful tool to indirectly assess insulin resistance/ sensitivity.
(Int J Circumpolar Health 2007; 66(2) 129-134 )

Keywords: Inuit, insulin resistance, anthropometry, diabetes, obesity