Lipid profile, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity in psoriasis.

Background: Psoriasis has been associated with an abnormal plasma lipid metabolism and diabetes mellitus possibly related to alterations in insulin secretion and sensitivity.

Objective: We sought to identify lipid profile, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity in patients with psoriasis and healthy control patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 44 nonobese adults, 22 with psoriasis and 22 without. The psoriasis activity was evaluated by the psoriasis area and severity index. Insulin secretion was estimated using the homeostasis model analysis beta-cell function index. Insulin sensitivity was assessed with the insulin tolerance test.

Results: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly decreased in patients with psoriasis (P =.02). There were no significant differences in insulin secretion or sensitivity in patients with psoriasis compared with control patients.

Conclusion: Patients with psoriasis had significantly decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. There were no differences in insulin secretion or sensitivity compared with control patients.