Associação da resistência à insulina e deficiência de vitamina D em mulheres na pós-menopausa com e sem síndrome metabólica

Abstract

The relationship between insulin resistance and vitamin D (vitD) deficiency in postmenopausal women, with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS), represents an expanding field of research. Assessing the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA- IR) index and serum vitD levels is essential to identify women at higher risk of developing MetS. Methods: A total of 132 postmenopausal women (78 without MetS and 54 with MetS) attending the School of Medicine of Jaú, Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE), were evaluated. Clinical and laboratory data included fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, insulin, HOMA-IR index, lipid profile, waist circumference, blood pressure, and serum vitamin D levels. Insulin levels were quantified by solid-phase chemiluminescent immunoassay. Data were analyzed using parametric or nonparametric statistical tests, depending on variable distribution. Results: Women with MetS showed significantly higher levels of glucose, glycated hemoglobin, insulin, HOMA- IR, and waist circumference (p < 0.001). They also presented higher triglyceride levels and systolic blood pressure (p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed between groups for total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, BMI, or age. Mean vitD levels were lower in the MetS group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.063). The chi-square test showed no significant association between vitamin D deficiency and MetS (χ² = 3.98; p = 0.137). Conclusion: Insulin resistance, as assessed by the HOMA-IR index, was significantly associated with the presence of MetS in postmenopausal women. However, no significant association was found between vitD deficiency and MetS in this sample. These findings highlight the importance of continuous monitoring of metabolic risk factors to prevent cardiovascular complications in postmenopausal women.