Single Gallstone Associated with High Fasting Insulin Level

Abstract

Gallstone (GS) formation is a multifactorial process and one of the associated factors is hyperinsulinemia. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the association between size and count of gallstones, and insulin levels and resistance. The study group composed of 84 patients who have ultrasonographically confirmed gallstone(s). Insulin level of all participants were measured and insulin resistance was calculated with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. All p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. There were 28 patients with single stone and 56 with multiple stones. Mean insulin level was 12.54 +/- 11.66 ml/U (median 9.91 ml/U, IQR 6.33) and 56.3% of patients had insulin resistance. Mean stone size was 7.82 +/- 7.52 mm (median 6 mm and IQR 11.75). There was a non-significant association and correlation between insulin level and size of GS (p= 0.129; r = 0.16). There was significant difference between single stone group and multiple stones group, according to the insulin level.