A new study presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) annual meeting in Madrid has found that insulin resistance is associated with 31 different diseases, raising the risk of early death, particularly in women. Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. The findings shed light on how this condition impacts various aspects of health, beyond its well-known role in Type 2 diabetes.
The research, led by Jing Wu from Shandong University in China, analyzed data from nearly 429,000 individuals between the ages of 40 and 69, gathered from the UK Biobank. The study used the TyG index, which measures blood sugar and fat levels, to assess insulin resistance. Participants had TyG scores ranging from 5.87 to 12.46 units, based on their cholesterol, fat, and blood sugar levels.
The research uncovered a notable connection between insulin resistance and a range of diseases, such as Parkinson’s, gout, and sciatica. Notably, insulin resistance is a key factor in the development of Type 2 diabetes, often caused by excess weight and lack of physical activity. While it's well-established that insulin resistance increases the risk of heart disease, this study reveals its broader implications for overall health.
Over an average follow-up period of 13 years, the researchers found that individuals with higher insulin resistance were more likely to develop 26 other conditions, including sleep disorders, bacterial infections, and pancreatitis. Additionally, the study revealed that insulin resistance was more prevalent in men, smokers, older adults, individuals with obesity, and those with lower physical activity levels.
Jing Wu commented on the findings, stating, "By measuring insulin resistance, we can identify people at greater risk of developing conditions such as obesity, hypertension, heart disease, gout, and sciatica. This opens up new avenues for early interventions to reduce the risk of these diseases."
Gout and Sciatica Risks, Parkinson's Disease Reduction
One of the key findings of the study was that for every one-unit increase in insulin resistance, the risk of gout increased by 65%, while the risk of developing sciatica rose by 10%. Interestingly, insulin resistance was linked to a 16% reduction in the likelihood of Parkinson’s disease. Other conditions associated with insulin resistance include depression, back pain, renal failure, obesity, bacterial infections, pancreatitis, and heart disease.
While the research showed a higher risk of 26 diseases, it also discovered that insulin resistance was linked to a lower risk of five conditions, including anemia, osteoporosis, and Parkinson's disease. However, for women, higher insulin resistance was associated with an 11% increased risk of death, whereas no such correlation was found in men.
The Importance of Early Intervention
The study underscores the need for early intervention strategies to address insulin resistance, including lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a balanced diet. Wu emphasized that these findings provide a new basis for disease prevention and treatment, highlighting the potential to reduce the risk of various diseases by targeting insulin resistance.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)
