Relative Handgrip Strength, But Not the Absolute Handgrip, Correlates with HOMA-IR in Non-Diabetic Young Adults

Abstract

Introduction: Insulin resistance is a metabolic disorder that many people with obesity suffer from and is a trigger for diabetes in the future. Insulin resistance can be measured by various parameters, one of which is HOMA-IR. Reduced handgrip strength has been associated with insulin resistance.

Objectives: This study aims to determine the relationship between absolute handgrip strength and relative handgrip strength with insulin resistance measured by HOMA-IR.

Methods: A total of 165 non-diabetic young adult subjects were recruited into this cross-sectional study. Absolute and relative handgrip strength were measured and their relationship with HOMA-IR was evaluated.

Results: Relative handgrip strength was negatively correlated with HOMA-IR, both normalized by BMI (r = -0.163, p = 0.036) and BW (r = -0.230, p = 0.003) while absolute handgrip strength was not correlated with HOMA-IR (r = 0.110, p = 0.158).

Conclusions: Relative handgrip strength is associated with insulin resistance while absolute handgrip strength is not correlated with insulin resistance. Relative handgrip strength normalized by BW had a stronger negative correlation with HOMA-IR than that normalized by BMI. In assessing insulin resistance, relative handgrip strength measurements should be used rather than absolute handgrip strength.