Different lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, and insulin resistance among Han, Uygur, and Kazak men with normal glucose tolerance in Xinjiang, China

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aimed to determine the differences in clinical parameters among Han, Uygur, and Kazak men with normal glucose tolerance. Methods Participants’ data from the China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Study pertaining to Han, Uygur, and Kazak men from the Xinjiang province were used (n = 930). Pearson’s correlation was used to examine the relationship between HOMA-IR, Matsuda Index, and clinical characteristics. Results HOMA-IR of Han men was significantly higher than in Uygurs and Kazaks (P < 0.001). The Matsuda Index of Kazaks was significantly higher than that of Hans and Uygurs (P < 0.001). While Kazaks had the highest BMI, WC, SBP, and DBP; they also had the highest HDL-C and lowest TG (P < 0.001). TG of Uygurs was significantly higher than that of Hans and Kazaks (P < 0.001). In Hans and Kazaks, the TG/HDL-C ratio increased with HOMA-IR quartiles; there was no association in Uygurs. In Hans and Kazaks, the TG/HDL-C ratio decreased with Matsuda index quartiles; there was no association in Uygurs. Multivariate linear regression showed that HOMA-IR was independently associated with ethnicity, BMI and TG/HDL-C ratio (P < 0.01), while Matsuda index was independently associated with ethnicity, BMI, LDL-C levels (P < 0.001) and TG/HDL-C ratio (P < 0.001). Conclusions In conclusion, Han, Uygur, and Kazak men had different lipid profiles, BMI, and WC. Han men had the highest insulin resistance while Kazak men had the highest insulin sensitivity.

Keywords

• Lipid metabolism
• Glucose metabolism
• Insulin sensitivity
• Insulin resistance
• Epidemiology
• Ethnic differences