Discipline-specific insulin sensitivity in athletes

Received 24 September 2008; accepted 15 March 2009. published online 14 July 2009.

Abstract

Objective

Weight status and abnormal liver function are the two factors that influence whole-body insulin sensitivity. The main goal of the study was to compare insulin sensitivity in athletes (n=757) and physically active controls (n=670) in relation to the two factors.

Methods

Homeostatic metabolic assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), weight status, and abnormal liver function (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) were determined from 33 sports disciplines under morning fasted condition. This study was initiated in autumn 2006 and repeated in autumn 2007 (n=1508) to ensure consistency of all observations.

Results

In general, HOMA-IR and blood pressure levels in athletes were significantly greater than those in physically active controls but varied widely with sport disciplines. Rowing and short-distance track athletes had significantly lower HOMA-IR values and archery and field-throwing athletes had significantly higher values than the control group. Intriguingly, athletes from 22 sports disciplines displayed significantly greater body mass index values above control values. Multiple regression analysis showed that, for non-athlete controls, body mass index was the only factor that contributed to the variations in HOMA-IR. For athletes, body mass index and alanine aminotransferase independently contributed to the variation of HOMA-IR.

Conclusion

This is the first report documenting HOMA-IR values in athletes from a broad range of sport disciplines. Weight status and abnormal liver function levels appear to be the major contributors predicting insulin sensitivity for the physically active population.

Keywords: Aspartate aminotransaminase, Alanine aminotransferase, Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, Glutamic pyruvic transaminase, Obesity, Overweight, Insulin sensitivity, Blood pressure

a Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry, Taipei Physical Education College, Taipei, Taiwan

b Institute of Medical Science, China Medical University and Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan

c Graduate Institute of Chinese Medicine and Physical Therapy, China Medical University and Department of Health and Nutrition Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan

d Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chung Gung Memorial Hospital, Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Chung Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan

e Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan

f Department of Physical Education, National Hsinchu University of Education, Hsinchu, Taiwan

Corresponding author. Tel.: +886-2-287-18288, ext. 5101; fax: +886-2-287-53383.

This study is partly sponsored by grant NSC 96-2413-H-154-003-MY3 from the National Science Council, Taipei, Taiwan.

PII: S0899-9007(09)00137-3

doi:10.1016/j.nut.2009.03.003

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