Insulin resistance overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Dayana Davidis, M.D. [2]

Insulin resistance is the condition in which normal amounts of insulin are inadequate to produce a normal insulin response from fat, muscle and liver cells. Insulin resistance in fat cells results in hydrolysis of stored triglycerides, which elevates free fatty acids in the blood plasma. Insulin resistance in muscle reduces glucose uptake whereas insulin resistance in liver reduces glucose storage, with both effects serving to elevate blood glucose. High plasma levels of insulin and glucose due to insulin resistance often lead to metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

Insulin resistance could be the earliest predictor of Diabetes Mellitus type 2. Obesity, especially fat accumulation on the abdominal and intra-abdominal visceral area, and insulin resistance are linked to series of complications such as cardiovascular disease or CVD and type 2 diabetes.

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