Insulin Resistance and Cardiometabolic Syndrome

Insulin is an important hormone that regulates glucose and lipid metabolism. Insulin resistance is defined as the impaired insulin response to the physiological level of insulin and is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease. Thus, preventing the development of T2DM and cardiovascular disease before reaching the untreatable stages is essential. Although tissue-specific signaling and insulin actions are distinct in each tissue, the insulin signaling pathway is commonly shared by metabolic and cardiovascular tissues. In this review, the roles of the tissue-specific insulin receptors in diabetes and whole-body metabolism, and the mechanisms of insulin resistance will be discussed. Understanding the pathophysiology of insulin resistance will help treat hyperglycemia and prevent T2DM and cardiometabolic syndrome.