Insulin resistance in Chileans of European and indigenous descent: evidence for an ethnicity x environment interaction.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Effects of urbanisation on diabetes risk appear to be greater in indigenous populations worldwide than in populations of European origin, but the reasons are unclear. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine whether the effects of environment (Rural vs. Urban), adiposity, fitness and lifestyle variables on insulin resistance differed between individuals of indigenous Mapuche origin compared to those of European origin in Chile.

Methodology/principal findings

123 Rural Mapuche, 124 Urban Mapuche, 91 Rural European and 134 Urban European Chilean adults had blood taken for determination of HOMA-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA(IR)) and underwent assessment of physical activity/sedentary behaviour (using accelerometry), cardiorespiratory fitness, dietary intake

SUBMITTER: Celis-Morales CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3169638 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature