Abstract P160: Perceived Stress May Influence Allostatic Load When The Etiology Of Abnormal Glucose Tolerance Is β-cell Failure: The Africans In America Study

Abstract

Background: Abnormal glucose tolerance (Abnl-GT) is a summary term for prediabetes and diabetes. The main etiologic determinant of Abnl-GT may be either β-cell failure or insulin resistance (IR). In African-born Blacks Abnl-GT may be predominantly due to β-cell failure rather than IR. Whether perceived and physiological stress profiles differ when Abnl-GT is due to β-cell failure rather than IR is uncertain. Aims: In 197 African-born Blacks living in the US (age: 38±11 (mean±SD); 58% men; BMI 28±5 kg/m 2 ) the perceived and physiological stress profiles were assessed based on Abnl-GT etiology. Methods: OGTT were performed. Abnl-GT was defined as FPG ≥100 mg/dL and/or glucose at 2h≥140 mg/dL. IR was defined by the lowest quartile of the Matsuda index (≤2.97). Abnl-GT-IR required Abnl-GT and IR. Beta-cell failure was defined as Abnl-GT without IR. The 10 question Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was applied. Allostatic Load (ALS) included 10 variables: SBP, DBP, Pulse, cholesterol, HDL, homocysteine, BMI, A1C, Albumin, hs-CRP. Statistical analyses included t-tests, Chi-squares, and multiple regressions. Results: Abnl-GT occurred in 39% (77/197), with Abnl-GT-β-cell failure in 56% (43/77) and Abnl-GT-IR in 44% (34/77). The Abnl-GT-IR had higher BMI (31±5 vs 28±4) and WC (101±10 vs 90±11) vs Abnl-GT-β-cell failure, both P <0.01. PSS did not differ between groups. ALS was higher in Abnl-GT-IR vs the Abnl-GT-β-cell failure ( P <0.01). Yet, regression analyses, adjusted for age and sex, showed significant associations between PSS and ALS in the Abnl-GT-β-cell-failure-group ( P =0.01) ( Figure 1A ). However, PSS and ALS were insignificantly associated in the Abnl-GT-IR-group ( P =0.42) ( Figure 1B ). Conclusions: In Abnl-GT-β-cell failure, perceived stress may influence allostatic load. Reasons for the link between perceived stress and allostatic load in Abnl-GT due to β-cell failure need exploration.