Prevalence of Clinical Manifestations Associated With Insulin Resistance Among Female Medical Students in Saudi Arabia

The study assessed the prevalence of clinical manifestations associated with insulin resistance among 272 female medical students in Saudi Arabia. It found that dermatological and endocrine features such as acanthosis nigricans, skin tags, alopecia areata, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were significantly associated with increased waist circumference, an indicator of insulin resistance. However, other dermatological conditions like acne and vitiligo were not linked to waist circumference. Cognitive changes, carbohydrate cravings, and daytime sleepiness were more common in those with higher waist circumference but were not statistically significant. The study highlights the high prevalence of increased waist circumference, aligning with global trends of rising insulin resistance and diabetes in younger populations.