Adipose tissue distribution in relation to insulin sensitivity and inflammation in Pakistani and Norwegian subjects with type 2 diabetes.

Immigrants from South Asia to Western countries have a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) associated with obesity. We investigated the relationship between diabetes and adipose tissue distribution in a group of younger T2DM subjects from Norway and Pakistan. Eighteen immigrant Pakistani and 21 Norwegian T2DM subjects (age 29-45, 49% men) were included. They underwent anthropometrical measurements including bioelectrical impedance analysis, CT scans measuring fatty infiltration in liver and adipose and muscle tissue compartments in mid-abdomen and thigh, a euglycemic clamp, and blood samples for serum insulin and plasma glucose, adipokines and inflammation markers. Adipose tissue distribution was similar in Norwegians and Pakistanis. Pakistanis, but not Norwegians, showed a negative correlation between insulin sensitivity and visceral adipose tissue (VAT, r(s) = -0.704, p = 0.003). Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) correlated to leptin in both Pakistanis and Norwegians (r(s) = 0.88, p < 0.001 and 0.67, p = 0.001). SAT also correlated to C-reactive protein (CRP) in the Pakistanis only (r(s) = 0.55, p = 0.03), and superficial SAT to Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) in Norwegians only (r(s) = 0.47, p = 0.04). In conclusion, despite similar adipose tissue distribution in the two groups Pakistanis were more insulin resistant, with a negative correlation of VAT to insulin sensitivity, not present in Norwegians. The correlation of adipose tissue to Leptin, CRP and IL-1RA showed ethnic differences.