INS and atherosclerosis: The present work relates indices of childhood living conditions to biomarkers of chronic inflammation (C reactive protein, interleukin 6), insulin resistance (elevated circulating levels of insulin and glucose), endothelial activation (a dysfunctional state where there is increased expression of cellular adhesion molecules and other factors), and to indicators of atherosclerosis (carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT), carotid artery plaque count), cognitive performance, and lung function in a group of adult subjects drawn from affluent and deprived areas of Glasgow.