Type 2 diabetes as an inflammatory disorder

Abstract

Although considerable research has addressed the potential role of inflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease, the relevance of this pathway to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes has only recently attracted interest. Circulating levels of inflammatory mediators correlate with insulin resistance and are significantly elevated in groups at risk of type 2 diabetes. Several prospective studies indicate that C-reactive protein and white cell count, together with other acute phase markers, predict incident diabetes independently of established predictors. Measures known to prevent diabetes (weight loss, exercise and metformin) and those more recently suggested (statins, ACE inhibitors and thiazolidinediones) have all been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory actions. Mechanisms linking inflammation to diabetes development are beginning to be unravelled. Emerging knowledge of inflammatory mediators may help to predict those at risk of type 2 diabetes, and further work in this area may lead to novel means of prevention and treatment.