Prevalence of Insulin Resistance among Cigarette Smokers in Sokoto Metropolis

Introduction: Cigarette smoking (CS) is a well-known risk factor for the development of metabolic diseases, various forms of cancer as well as insulin resistance (IR). IR is considered as an underlying derangement which very commonly aggravates metabolic syndrome.

Aim: This study assessed the prevalence of IR in cigarette smokers in Sokoto metropolis using selected surrogate markers.

Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted in Sokoto among 108 subjects. Fasting venous blood samples were collected for plasma glucose, triglycerides and insulin estimation. Plasma glucose and serum triglycerides were analysed using enzymatic methods while insulin was assayed using ELISA method. Homeostasis model of assessment-IR (HOMA-IR), Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), Mc Auley (McA) and fasting IR index (FIRI) were calculated using standard formula and IR cut-off of >2.5, <0.339, >5.8 and >2.3 respectively were used.

Results: Based on the cut off mark, the prevalence of IR for HOMA-IR, QUICKI, McA, FIRI indices were 62(57.4%), 66(61.1%), 39(36.1%) and 60(55.6%) respectively. There was a significant correlation between HOMA-IR and FIRI (p< 0.05, r = 0.999). HOMA-IR also had a significant correlation with McA (p<0.05 r = -0.506). QUICKI had a significant correlation with McA (p<0.05 and r = 0.243).

Conclusion: This study established a significantly high prevalence of IR among CS. Importantly, it can be concluded that cigarette smokers may be predisposed to the development of metabolic disease.