From the Publisher:

    Insulin resistance is a key abnormality associated with a number of common metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, including Type 2 diabetes and obesity.  This has therefore been an area of intense scrutiny for researchers worldwide.  Over the last decade in particular, a plethora of defining studies have helped to cast light on both the clinical and the molecular aspects of insulin resistance.  Firstly, study of rare syndromes of severe insulin resistance has led to better definition of these conditions and, in many cases, to a better understanding of the molecular basis of these diseases.  Secondly, the importance of insulin resistance to the development and progression of common diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, cardiovascular disease and obesity is better appreciated.  Thirdly, we now have drugs that can reduce insulin resistance significantly and this has had an impact on both basic and clinical research in the field.  Consequently, we are beginning to see a major paradigm shift in how Type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome are being managed, with a greater emphasis on addressing insulin resistance than ever before.

     In this book, several leading investigators who have made seminal contributions to the field have written chapters covering the normal biology of insulin action, the pathophysiology of insulin resistance, the myriad clinical consequences of insulin resistance, and finally, current and future prospects for its treatment.  The book therefore not only provides an up-to-date perspective of the subject from several of the leading thinkers of the field, but should also serve as a useful source of reference for students, researchers and clinicians.

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1.    The Insulin Receptor and Downstream Signalling

Chapter 2.     Insulin-mediated Regulation of Glucose Metabolism

Chapter 3.     Insulin Action on Lipid Metabolism

Chapter 4.     The Effect of Insulin on Protein Metabolism

Chapter 5.     Genetically Modified Mouse Models of Insulin Resistance

Chapter 6.     Insulin Resistance in Glucose Disposal and Production in Man with Specific Reference to Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes.

Chapter 7.     Central Regulation of Peripheral Glucose Metabolism

Chapter 8.     Relationship between Fat Distribution and Insulin Resistance

Chapter 9.     PPARγ and Glucose Homeostasis

Chapter 10.   Adipokines and Insulin Resistance

Chapter 11.   Dietary Factors and Insulin Resistance

Chapter 12.   Physical Activity and Insulin Resistance

Chapter 13.   Genetics of the Metabolic Syndrome

Chapter 14.   Insulin Resistance and Dyslipidemia

Chapter 15.   Insulin Resistance, Hypertension and Endothelial Dysfunction

Chapter 16.   Insulin Resistance and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Chapter 17.   Syndromes of Severe Insulin Resistance (SSIRs)

Chapter 18.   Therapeutic Strategies for Insulin Resistance

Chapter 19.   Drug Therapy for Insulin Resistance- A Look at the Future  

Index