04 Feb Psoriasis Linked To Insulin Resistance and Increased Risk of Diabetes
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Mette Gyldenløve MD
Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen
Denmark
MedicalResearch: What is the background for this study?
Dr. Gyldenløve: Epidemiological studies have shown that patients with psoriasis have increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The pathophysiology is largely unknown, but it is hypothesised that systemic inflammation causes insulin resistance, which is an early feature of type 2 diabetes. Insulin sensitivity has only been sparsely investigated in patients with psoriasis, and previous studies have used suboptimal methodology. The objective of the present study was to investigate, if patients with psoriasis exhibit impaired insulin sensitivity when assessed by the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp technique (gold standard).
MedicalResearch: What are the main findings?
Dr. Gyldenløve: In this study we found that normal glucose-tolerant patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis (n=16) had significantly reduced insulin sensitivity compared to age, gender, and body mass index (BMI)-matched, healthy control subjects (n=16). The two groups were similar with regard to age, gender, BMI, body composition, physical activity, fasting plasma glucose, and glycosylated haemoglobin.
MedicalResearch What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Dr. Gyldenløve: Our data support psoriasis as an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Based on the sum of current evidence, we suggest that patients with psoriasis are routinely informed about their increased risk. In particular, the importance of a healthy lifestyle should be emphasised.
MedicalResearch: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Dr. Gyldenløve: Future studies are needed to demonstrate how and to what extent psoriasis acts as an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. The present results will have to be confirmed in larger controlled studies. Also, research is needed to characterise the insulin resistance associated with psoriasis, and to uncover underlying mechanisms.
Citation:
Patients with psoriasis are insulin resistant
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Accepted: January 6, 2015; Published Online: February 01, 2015
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MedicalResearch.com Interview with:, & Mette Gyldenløve MD (2015). Psoriasis Linked To Insulin Resistance and Increased Risk of Diabetes MedicalResearch.com
Last Updated on February 4, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD