Insulin, IGF-I and IGF-II are the three peptide hormones that make up the IGF family. IGF-I has been proposed as therapy for individuals with Type 2 diabetes because it helps stimulate glucose use by peripheral tissues and reduces resistance to insulin. Since Type 2 diabetes and hyperinsulinemia are more common among the elderly, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between insulin and IGF-I and body composition in postmenopausal women. Fifty-four postmenopausal women, aged 51-81 years were recruited. Fasting venous blood samples were drawn between 8:00 and 10:00 AM. All anthropometric measurements were done by the same person using standardized techniques. Percent body fat was determined using dual-energy absorptiometry (Lunar Instruments). Insulin and IGF-I were assayed using readioimmunoassay procedures. Results of anthropometric data, reported as mean (SD) include: % body fat 41.9 (6.7; body mass index 26 (4); triceps skinfold 23mm (6); waist to hip ratio, WHR 0.79 (0.07); and waist 84.7cms (12.6). Mean insulin, concentration was 9ng/ml (8) and mean IGF-I was 115ng/ml (54). Insulin was significantly and positively correlated (p<0.05) with: BMI, % body fat, waist, triceps skinfold and WHR. IGF-I was significantly and negatively correlated with % body fat. These data demonstrate that even in women who are not hyperinsulinemic there are significant relationships between insulin (+) and IGF-I (-), both which may be important in the ultimate development of Type 2 diabetes.