The impact of insulin resistance on woman's health and potential treatment options

Abstract

Insulin resistance (IR) is causatively related to metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, both of which increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events; in women in particular, severe IR affects the reproductive system causing subfertility and health problems to the mother and the fetus. To date lifestyle modification is the mainstay of treatment, whereas antiobesity drugs and bariatric surgery have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and many surrogate metabolic defects, real reduction in cardiovascular endpoints has yet to be proved. Increasing attention is being directed to the role of the central nervous system in the modulation of IR, as well as to the use of recombinant adipocytokines for IR management. The scope of this article is to cast light on the detrimental effects of IR on metabolism and the body systems in women as well as to highlight the current therapeutic approach, drugs in progress, and future therapeutic perspectives.

Effects of omega-3 supplementation associated with physical activity in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: study protocol

“…Additionally, the adipose tissue of obese individuals exhibits a marked increase in macrophage infiltration, leading to the excessive release of proinflammatory cytokines and perpetuating the inflammatory condition. In summary, obese individuals develop low-grade chronic inflammation that causes IR and progress to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) 6 . IR is described as the main link between obesity and T2DM; it is a condition in which the peripheral target tissue has a subnormal response to insulin levels, resulting in lower glucose uptake and a reduction in other physiological effects of insulin 5 .…”

Thyroid-stimulating Hormone and Insulin Resistance: Their Association with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome without Overt Hypothyroidism

“…In women with PCOS, IR has been associated with an increased risk of the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease, and has been reported to cause subfertility. 2,4,5 The physiopathology of the higher incidence of IR in PCOS, even when compared with the population of the same age and body mass index (BMI), needs to be better clarified. 6,7 The genetic component in the origin of IR is already wellestablished; 8 however, a multifactorial pathogenesis has been suggested, with effects such as hyperandrogenemia 9 and others, including thyroid function.…”

“…In women with PCOS, IR has been associated with an increased risk of the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease, and has been reported to cause subfertility. 2 4 5 …”

Castração, dieta hiperlipídica e DHEA: efeitos sobre a sensibilidade à insulina e secreção em ilhotas isolatas de ratas.

“…A resistência à insulina ocorre quando os tecidos periféricos se tornam menos sensíveis às quantidades de insulina secretadas normalmente pelo pâncreas, com prejuízo na manutenção da glicemia. Como efeito compensador a esse estado de resistência as células β pancreáticas aumentam a secreção de insulina, resultando em hiperinsulinemia (LOIS et al, 2010).…”