The insulin resistance syndrome

Sattar, N. , Welsh, P. and Preiss, D. (2015) The insulin resistance syndrome. In: DeFronzo, R. A., Ferrannini, E., Alberti, K.G.M.M. and Zimmet, P. (eds.) International Textbook of Diabetes Mellitus. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, pp. 337-353. ISBN 9781118387658 (doi: 10.1002/9781118387658.ch23)

Abstract

The “insulin resistance syndrome” is a term that has been commonly used in diabetes and cardiovascular research, and which refers broadly to an ever increasing collection of risk factors (including many commonly measured clinical factors) linked to insulin resistance. Yet, the composite parts of the syndrome and its relationship to cardiovascular disease remain a subject of debate. Likewise, risk algorithms related to insulin resistance, in particular the “metabolic syndrome,” have come under clinical scrutiny. Here we review the multiple roles of insulin as it interacts with many tissues, and consequently explain its links to numerous other risk factors, including several recently discovered associations. We also attempt to distinguish between potentially causal “upstream” versus associated “downstream” risk factors associated with insulin resistance. In the second part of this chapter, we discuss why attempts to bring the insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome to the clinic have proven difficult.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Welsh, Professor Paul and Preiss, Dr David and Sattar, Professor Naveed
• Authors: Sattar, N., Welsh, P., and Preiss, D.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: International Textbook of Diabetes Mellitus
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
• ISBN: 9781118387658