Metabolic risk factors in obesity and diabetes mellitus: implications in the pathogenesis and therapy

Abstract

The increased prevalence of obesity worldwide is a serious problem as it invites several other metabolic chronic disorders including Diabetes mellitus, one of the major global pandemic now a days. Obesity raises the propensity of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by several folds. Adipose tissue derived increased amounts of non-esterified fatty acids, glycerol, hormones, proinflammatory cytokines and other factors are involved in the development of insulin resistance in obese individuals. When insulin resistance is accompanied by pancreatic islet β-cell dysfunction, glycemic control worsens resulting in diabetes. Abnormalities in β-cell function are therefore critical in defining the risk and development of type 2 diabetes. Although clinical studies aimed at reducing the deleterious effects of these conditions have been conducted or are undergoing trials, detailed exploration of the molecular and metabolic basis of the disease may guide us to new approaches to its prevention and treatment.