Diabetes

Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome & Insulin Resistance

Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome & Insulin Resistance will   in-depth examination of three interrelated conditions that form the foundation of the global Type 2 diabetes epidemic. Obesity is not only a major risk factor for diabetes but also a driving force behind the development of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome—both of which play critical roles in disease progression and the emergence of cardiovascular and other complications. Obesity, particularly visceral or central obesity, is characterized by an excess accumulation of adipose tissue that disrupts normal metabolic processes. Adipose tissue is not merely a storage depot for fat but an active endocrine organ that secretes hormones, cytokines, and inflammatory mediators that contribute to systemic inflammation, lipid abnormalities, and glucose intolerance. This chronic low-grade inflammation leads to insulin resistance, a state in which the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. Over time, the pancreas compensates by producing more insulin, eventually leading to beta-cell exhaustion and the onset of Type 2 diabetes.Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of conditions that include abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia (elevated triglycerides and reduced HDL cholesterol), elevated fasting glucose, and insulin resistance. When these factors co-exist, they dramatically increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Special focus will be given to the role of the gut microbiome and genetic predisposition in mediating susceptibility to insulin resistance.