From obesity to diabetes

The major risk factor for the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes is obesity. A key role is the new understanding of adipocytes as an endocrine system. Adipocytes secrete numerous substances that contribute to peripheral insulin resistance, including adiponectin, resistin, TNF-alpha and interleukin 6. There is also a role of free fatty acids by blocking directly intracellular metabolism of glucose and by their lipotoxicity. The pre-receptor metabolism of cortisol may be enhanced in visceral adipose tissue by activation of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1. The new class of thiazolidinediones (glitazones), binding to the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR-gamma) lowers the levels of resistin and increases adiponectin, resulting in an improvement of glucose homeostasis. However, the first step to avoid insulin resistance should be an attempt to reduce body weight and to increase physical activity. These are successful means to avoid the development of type 2 diabetes from prediabetic states, as shown recently in 3 independent intervention trials.