Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of cigarette smoking (CS) on fasting blood insulin, homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA-R index), glucose and lipids in Japanese collegiate women. Twenty-six smokers were individually 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 analyzed to evaluate their associations with CS. The results showed significantly higher mean serum insulin, 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 between smokers and nonsmokers. In conclusion, it appears that CS is associated with insulin resistance, impaired 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.
