[Insulin resistance--current findings on background and treatment]

A number of pathological conditions have been associated with increased insulin resistance. Reduced insulin sensitivity may occur even under normal physiological conditions, and is more pronounced in men than in women. The aetiology of type II diabetes, lipid disorders and hypertension is characterised by reduced insulin sensitivity. A new theory which has been advanced to explain these pathological conditions is the occurrence of intra-uterine growth retardation due to fetal malnutrition. The elucidation of these events may affect treatment in the future.