Cigarette Smoking and Blood Insulin, Glucose, and Lipids in Young Japanese Women

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to exam- ine the effects of cigarette smoking (CS) on fasting blood insulin, homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA-R index), glucose and lipids in Japanese col- legiate women. Twenty-six smokers were individu- ally matched for physical activity scores, age, and body mass index with 26 nonsmokers. Information on smoking, physical activity habits, and diet record were collected. Blood samples were taken and an- alyzed to evaluate their associations with CS. The results showed significantly higher mean serum in- sulin, HOMA-R index, and glucose while lower mean high-density lipoprotein two cholesterol (HDL2-C) in smokers as compared with nonsmokers. The mean nutrient intakes showed no significant differences be- tween smokers and nonsmokers. In conclusion, it ap- pears that CS is associated with insulin resistance, im- paired fasting glucose and lower HDL2-C in young Japanese female smokers. This may partly explain the deleterious effects of smoking on coronary heart disease risk.