Insulin resistance as a novel therapeutic target in patients with chronic kidney disease treated with dialysis

Abstract

Clinical significance of insulin resistance in patients with chronic renal failure treated with dialysis has not been fully elucidated and requires further research. The available data indicate that long-term dialysis therapy promotes the development of insulin resistance. Furthermore, it has been proven that insulin resistance in this patient group is a strong independent predictor of mortality from cardiovascular causes. Insulin resistance as a potential modifiable cardiovascular risk factor should be considered as a novel therapeutic target in patients undergoing both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Copyright by Medycyna Praktyczna, 2010.