Peripheral insulin resistance rather than beta cell dysfunction accounts for geographical differences in impaired fasting blood glucose among sub-Saharan African individuals: findings from the RODAM study

Diabetologia. 2017 May;60(5):854-864. doi: 10.1007/s00125-017-4216-4. Epub 2017 Jan 31.

Abstract

Aims/hypothesis: The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction account for differences in impaired fasting blood glucose (IFBG) levels in sub-Saharan African individuals living in different locations in Europe and Africa. We also aimed to identify determinants associated with insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction among this population.

Methods: Data from the cross-sectional multicentre Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study were analysed. Participants included Ghanaian individuals without diabetes, aged 18-96 years old, who were residing in Amsterdam (n = 1337), Berlin (n = 502), London (n = 961), urban Ghana (n = 1309) and rural Ghana (n = 970). Glucose and insulin were measured in fasting venous blood samples. Anthropometrics were assessed during a physical examination. Questionnaires were used to assess demographics, physical activity, smoking status, alcohol consumption and energy intake. Insulin resistance and beta cell function were determined using homeostatic modelling (HOMA-IR and HOMA-B, respectively). Logistic regression analysis was used to study the contribution of HOMA-IR and inverse HOMA-B (beta cell dysfunction) to geographical differences in IFBG (fasting glucose 5.6-6.9 mmol/l). Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to identify determinants associated with HOMA-IR and inverse HOMA-B.

Results: IFBG was more common in individuals residing in urban Ghana (OR 1.41 [95% CI 1.08, 1.84]), Amsterdam (OR 3.44 [95% CI 2.69, 4.39]) and London (OR 1.58 [95% CI 1.20 2.08), but similar in individuals living in Berlin (OR 1.00 [95% CI 0.70, 1.45]), compared with those in rural Ghana (reference population). The attributable risk of IFBG per 1 SD increase in HOMA-IR was 69.3% and in inverse HOMA-B was 11.1%. After adjustment for HOMA-IR, the odds for IFBG reduced to 0.96 (95% CI 0.72, 1.27), 2.52 (95%CI 1.94, 3.26) and 1.02 (95% CI 0.78, 1.38) for individuals in Urban Ghana, Amsterdam and London compared with rural Ghana, respectively. In contrast, adjustment for inverse HOMA-B had very minor impact on the ORs of IFBG. In multivariate analyses, BMI (β = 0.17 [95% CI 0.11, 0.24]) and waist circumference (β = 0.29 [95%CI 0.22, 0.36]) were most strongly associated with higher HOMA-IR, whereas inverse HOMA-B was most strongly associated with age (β = 0.20 [95% CI 0.16, 0.23]) and excess alcohol consumption (β = 0.25 [95% CI 0.07, 0.43]).

Conclusions/interpretation: Our findings suggest that insulin resistance, rather than beta cell dysfunction, is more important in accounting for the geographical differences in IFBG among sub-Saharan African individuals. We also show that BMI and waist circumference are important factors in insulin resistance in this population.

Keywords: Beta cell function; Impaired fasting glycaemia; Insulin resistance; RODAM study; Sub-Saharan Africans; Type 2 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Africa
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / blood*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / metabolism*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / physiopathology
  • Europe
  • Fasting / blood*
  • Female
  • Glucose Tolerance Test
  • Humans
  • Insulin / blood
  • Insulin Resistance / physiology*
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / physiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Waist Circumference / physiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin