Effect of Insulin Resistance in Chronic Kidney Disease

Insulin resistance accompanies many well-established cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and type 2 diabetes. Since cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD), insulin resistance is thought to play a role in the morbidity and mortality associated with ESRD. This paper reviews the available information on insulin resistance in patients with impaired kidney function as well as those on renal replacement therapy in the form of maintenance hemodialysis. Potential mechanisms for the dynamic changes in insulin resistance, which occur through the different stages of kidney disease, are also discussed. We hypothesize that stabilizing insulin sensitivity may have a positive effect on improving outcome in ESRD subjects.