Abstract
Insulin resistance means an altered effect of insulin and is defined as a condition in which normal plasma insulin levels produce a lower than expected biological response in the body. The major clinical manifestation is glucose metabolism alteration, although insulin resistance also manifests itself in other insulin activities such as fat and protein metabolism, proliferation and mitogenic effects or release of vasoactive factors.
Insulin resistance, associated with a variety of pathological conditions, most commonly underlies the metabolic syndrome which is known to considerably worsen the prognosis and to increase the risk of accelerated atherosclerosis, cardiovascular complications, all-cause mortality and morbidity and some tumors. Insulin resistance can be managed by lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) and/ or insulin sensitizers (metformin, thiazolidinediones).
Nevertheless, metabolic syndrome therapy also targets other clinical conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia or blood clotting abnormalities.