A Comparison of Insulin Sensitivity and Lipid Profile in Tobacco Chewers and Non-Tobacco Chewers Participants

Abstract

Background: Tobacco chewing is a prevalent habit in many populations and has been implicated in metabolic disturbances, including insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. This study aimed to compare insulin sensitivity and lipid profile parameters between tobacco chewers and non-tobacco chewers.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 participants, divided into two groups: 50 regular tobacco chewers and 50 age- and sex-matched non-tobacco chewers. Fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin, and lipid profile parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein [LDL], and high-density lipoprotein [HDL]) were measured. Insulin resistance was assessed using the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-test, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: Tobacco chewers showed significantly higher fasting blood glucose (110 ± 13 mg/dL in tobacco chewers. 93 ± 11mg/dL, p < 0.01) in non-tobacco chewers, fasting insulin levels (19.5 ± 4.5 µIU/mL vs. 11.5 ± 2.9 µIU/mL, p < 0.01), and HOMA-IR values (4.3 ± 1.1 vs. 2.6 ± 0.7, p < 0.001) compared to non-chewers. Lipid profile analysis revealed significantly elevated total cholesterol (212.5 ± 27 mg/dL vs. 171.20 ± 20.7 mg/dL), triglycerides (181. ± 30 mg/dL vs. 129.3 ± 25 mg/dL), and LDL (128 ± 17 mg/dL vs. 105.4 ± 14 mg/dL), along with reduced HDL levels (38 ± 5 mg/dL vs. 58.9 ± 6 mg/dL) in tobacco chewers (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusion: Tobacco chewing is significantly associated with reduced insulin sensitivity and an adverse lipid profile. These findings highlight the increased risk of metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, among tobacco users. Preventive strategies and awareness programs are essential to reduce tobacco consumption and its associated metabolic risks.