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Updated: Aug 24, 2026
Study of In Vivo Glucose Metabolism in High-fat Diet-fed Mice Using Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT)
Published on: January 7, 2018
Treatment of insulin resistance in diabetes mellitus
Harold E Lebovitz1, Mary Ann Banerji
1Department of Medicine, State University of New York Health Science Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA. hlebovitz@attglobal.net
Abstract:
Insulin resistance is a condition in which the glycemic response to insulin is less than normal. The change in insulin sensitivity leads to several sets of responses. One set effects the beta cell and leads to its accelerated destruction and the development of diabetes mellitus. The other set generates a series of nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors that result in accelerated atherosclerosis. Both of these sets of responses may have impacts on other tissues such as the nervous system. Insulin resistance is probably the result of increased visceral adiposity with increased release of free fatty acids and cytokines and a decreased release of adiponectin. Treatment of insulin resistance and its associated abnormalities can be achieved by lifestyle modification which results in weight loss, by drugs that reverse the abnormal adipocyte effects, by drugs that improve insulin sensitivity at the level of the liver and by anti-inflammatory agents that block activation of the nuclear factor kappa B cascade.
Insights
Insulin resistance, where the body doesn't respond well to insulin, can lead to diabetes and heart disease. Lifestyle changes and medications can help manage this condition.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Insulin resistance is characterized by a diminished glycemic response to insulin.
- This condition impacts beta cells, potentially leading to diabetes mellitus.
- It also contributes to cardiovascular risk factors and accelerated atherosclerosis, affecting other tissues like the nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the multifaceted consequences of insulin resistance.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms of insulin resistance.
- To outline current and potential treatment strategies for insulin resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of current research on insulin resistance.
- Analysis of the pathophysiological links between insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
- Evaluation of therapeutic approaches targeting insulin resistance.
Main Results:
- Insulin resistance triggers beta-cell dysfunction and diabetes.
- It promotes non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors, accelerating atherosclerosis.
- Visceral adiposity, altered free fatty acid/cytokine release, and reduced adiponectin are implicated in its etiology.
Conclusions:
- Insulin resistance has significant implications for metabolic and cardiovascular health.
- Effective management involves lifestyle modifications and pharmacological interventions.
- Targeting adipocyte function, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory pathways offers therapeutic potential.
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