Diabetes, Insulin Resistance, and Visceral Adiposity

The worldwide prevalence of obesity and obesity-related diseases continues to rise. Insulin resistance, the metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes are all associated with obesity. Visceral fat is now recognized to have metabolic, endocrine, and immune functions; increased visceral adiposity enhances the risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disorders. Potential mechanisms of this increased risk may include increased free fatty acid (FFA) release and alterations in adipokines. Various treatments have been shown to be effective: For instance, lifestyle interventions resulting in weight loss and loss of visceral fat can have a significant impact on cardiometabolic risk, and bariatric surgery has also been shown to improve insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and other comorbidities of obesity. Several medical therapies for type 2 diabetes or obesity also ...