Summary
This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between insulin resistance, measured by the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and lipid profile components in male cab drivers from Thi-Qar Governorate, Iraq. Eighty apparently healthy participants aged 20–61 years underwent clinical evaluations including anthropometric measurements—body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)—and fasting blood sampling for lipid profile analysis and HOMA-IR calculation. The study aimed to identify early elevations in risk markers that may contribute to metabolic and cardiovascular complications in this occupational group.

Results revealed that a significant proportion of drivers exhibited elevated HOMA-IR scores, as well as increased levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol, exceeding normal reference values. Many participants also showed increased WHR, BMI, and reported long daily work hours, suggesting a sedentary lifestyle. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant positive correlation between HOMA-IR and WHR, TG, LDL-c, and total cholesterol. In contrast, HOMA-IR was inversely correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), indicating a potentially atherogenic lipid profile.

The study concludes that insulin resistance plays a crucial role in the development of dyslipidemia, even among apparently healthy individuals. These findings underscore the importance of early screening for metabolic risk factors in occupational groups with sedentary work patterns, such as cab drivers. Preventive interventions promoting healthy body composition, particularly maintaining optimal BMI and WHR, may reduce future cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk in this population.