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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

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Published on: December 1, 2023
Influence of environment on insulin sensitivity
Giuseppe Latini1, M Loredana Marcovecchio, Antonio Del Vecchio
1Division of Neonatology, Perrino Hospital, Brindisi, Italy. gilatini@tin.it
Insulin sensitivity (IS) is influenced by genetics and environment, impacting health from birth. Early life factors and genetic predispositions can lead to insulin resistance and related conditions like type 2 diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Insulin sensitivity (IS) is a dynamic trait influenced by genetic and environmental factors throughout life.
- The uterine environment and exposure to exogenous toxins can impact fetal development and endocrine function, potentially affecting IS.
- Reduced fetal growth is linked to later-life insulin resistance, a condition often silent in youth but prevalent in predisposed adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental factors in modulating insulin sensitivity.
- To investigate how early-life exposures and genetic polymorphisms influence the development of insulin resistance and associated metabolic disorders.
- To highlight the concept of 'metabolic memory' in insulin sensitivity and its implications for future health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on genetic and environmental influences on insulin sensitivity.
- Analysis of gene polymorphisms (e.g., PPAR-gamma, ACE) in conjunction with environmental exposures (e.g., phthalates).
- Examination of the impact of early-life growth and uterine environment on long-term metabolic health.
Main Results:
- Genetic factors (PPAR-gamma Pro12Ala, ACE I/D) and environmental exposures (phthalates) interact to alter insulin-sensitive tissues.
- Impaired fetal growth and endocrine development due to environmental insults can lead to lasting insulin resistance.
- The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity in children and adolescents is rising, linked to lifestyle and genetic factors.
Conclusions:
- Insulin sensitivity is a complex trait shaped by a lifelong interaction between genotype and environment.
- Early life conditions and environmental exposures play a critical role in establishing metabolic programming and long-term IS.
- Future prevention strategies should focus on controlling environmental factors and developing targeted therapies for impaired insulin sensitivity.
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