ABSTRACT
Background:Hypertensive patients undergoing antihypertensive therapy are more prone to insulin resistance (IR). Thus, it is essential to monitor its prevalence, metabolic consequences and to individualize antihypertensive therapy to negate its potential adverse effects. Therefore, the presented study assessed the prevalence of IR among hypertensive patients undergoing antihypertensive therapy. Methodology:This prospective study involved 200 patients of either sex, diagnosed with essential hypertension, and undergoing treatment. Data regarding age, gender, medical history, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference were collected. Laboratory investigations for fasting blood sugar levels, serum fasting Insulin levels, lipid profile, and glycosylated hemoglobin were performed. Homeostatic model assessment of IR (HOMAIR) was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed by using R software (Version. 3.6.0).Results:The prevalence of IR in hypertensive nondiabetic patients was 39%. The mean age and BMI of patients were 58.70 ± 16.64 year and 23.10 ± 2.57 kg/m2, respectively. The mean fasting blood sugar levels were 108.24 ± 20.99 mg/ dl. The mean HOMAIR levels were >2.8. IR was more in users of beta-blockers than in angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and calcium channel blockers, as a significant association was observed between the class of hypertensive drugs and presence of IR (P< 0.05). Asignificant association (P< 0.05) was observed between the duration of hypertension and IR indicated by HOMAIR >2.5 in patients on beta-blockers and on ACE inhibitors. Conclusion:Antihypertensive drugs like beta-blockers decrease insulin sensitivity in hypertensive patients leading to increased prevalence of IR