Insulin Resistance in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis According to HOMA-IR

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent autoimmune disease characterized by a chronic local immune complex basis. It is the most common systemic inflammatory disease of the joints.

This study aimed to determine insulin resistance using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels in patients with RA.

A total of 116 patients diagnosed with RA who presented to an outpatient department (OPD) clinic were included in the study if they met the inclusion criteria. The disease activity status was assessed using the disease activity score (DAS 28). Serum levels of LDL, HDL, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and fasting insulin were measured. The HOMA test was employed to assess insulin resistance. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 22, applying appropriate statistical methods, including paired and independent t -tests.

No statistically significant difference was observed between insulin resistance and RA activity (P = 0.188). However, the mean insulin resistance score was higher in patients with metabolic syndrome (4.6 ± 3.8) compared to those without metabolic syndrome (3.9 ± 3.3). Nevertheless, no statistically significant difference in insulin resistance was found between patients with and without metabolic syndrome (P = 0.344).

The present study demonstrates that disease activity is associated with insulin resistance in patients with RA. However, no statistically significant relationship was identified between insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in these patients.