The association between Age, BMI, and Gestational Weight Gain with HOMA-IR during pregnancy

Introduction: The Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) is used to determine insulin resistance in individuals. During pregnancy, several variables may be related to HOMA-IR, including age, gestational weight gain (GWG), and body mass index (BMI), which classifies an individual\u27s weight as healthy or unhealthy. The objective of this research is to test the relationships of age, GWG at 20-weeks, and BMI at 20-weeks with log HOMA-IR. Methods: Twenty-six women (27.8±4.2 years; 74.1% white) completed this study between 2015 and 2016. HOMA-IR was measured using fasting plasma insulin and blood glucose (fasting insulin[microU/L] x fasting glucose [nmol/L]/22.5). The Pearson Correlation test was used to determine correlations between the variables. Results: Mean GWG at 20-weeks was 5.3kg±5.1 (range -5.4 kg to 15.9 kg). BMI at 20-weeks ranged from 19.7 kg/m2 to 43.5 kg/m2, with an average of 29.6444 kg/m2, ±5.99733. There was a correlation between (r=0.614, p=0.001) HOMA-IR and BMI at 20-weeks. There was no correlation between HOMA-IR and age (r=0.044, p=0.83), nor between HOMA-IR and GWG at 20-weeks (r=0.173, p=0.39). Conclusion: Our study showed there was no correlation between age and HOMA-IR, nor between GWG at 20-weeks and HOMA-IR; however, a correlation between BMI at 20-weeks and HOMA-IR was found. These findings may allow practitioners to understand how HOMA-IR relates to female body fat and thus monitor this variable during pregnancy to avoid complications

The Association between Physical Activity levels and Insulin Resistance in College Women

Introduction: The World Health Organization recommends young adults engage in physical activity (PA) daily. Regular PA has been shown to promote a better quality of life and improve overall health. Insulin resistance is a strong indicator of metabolic health in women because of its link to the development of disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and diabetes. The objective of this research was to determine the relationships between insulin resistance, and amount of time spent in sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous PA. Methods: Thirty-eight women (20.8±2.7 years, 28.57±4.11kg/m2, 42.1% white) were asked to wear an accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X) on the waist over the course of 5 days to record their free-living physical activity. Insulin resistance was assessed using fasting blood samples and was estimated using Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance HOMA-IR. HOMA-IR = fasting insulin[microU/L] x fasting glucose [nmol/L]/22.5). To determine associations between HOMA-IR and levels of PA, a Pearson Correlation test was performed. Results: No correlation was found between any level of PA and HOMA-IR (sedentary: r=0.240, p=0.147, light: r=0.275, p=0.095, moderate: r=0.158, p=0.344, vigorous: r=0.239, p=0.148). Conclusion: Our findings did not show an association among different levels of PA and insulin resistance. This is inconsistent with other existing studies. To further confirm the results of this study, more research on accelerometer usage may be needed. Key Words: HOMA-IR, accelerometry, physical activity, healt