SC Connecticut News

Yale School of Medicine’s Gerald I. Shulman, MD, PhD, a renowned expert in the field of endocrinology, sheds light on the molecular basis of insulin resistance and its impact on health. Insulin resistance, a condition affecting approximately forty percent of U.S. adults, is a significant threat to global health in the 21st century, according to Shulman.

"Understanding the molecular basis for insulin resistance can lead to novel therapies that help prevent these diseases," Shulman said, highlighting the importance of addressing this condition to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, neurogenerative disease, and obesity-associated cancers.

Shulman explained the link between insulin resistance and various health issues, stating, "Insulin resistance is the major reason people go on to develop type 2 diabetes. The condition also results in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, muscle insulin resistance, and obesity-related cancers."

Discussing the causes of insulin resistance, Shulman pointed out the role of ectopic lipid accumulation in liver and skeletal muscle. He also highlighted the evolutionary aspect of insulin resistance, noting its activation during starvation as a survival mechanism in mammals.

When it comes to reversing insulin resistance, Shulman emphasized the importance of weight reduction and exercise. "Our research has shown that modest weight reduction due to caloric restriction to about 1,200 calories a day leads to a reduction of liver fat and reversal of liver insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes," he explained. Additionally, he highlighted the benefits of exercise in improving glucose transport into muscle cells and normalizing carbohydrate storage.

Shulman encouraged individuals with diabetes or prediabetes to engage in daily physical activity to combat insulin resistance effectively. He expressed optimism about the future of treating insulin resistance and improving cardiometabolic health through a deeper understanding of the molecular basis of the condition and the development of new targeted drugs.

The Yale School of Medicine’s Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge, applying new information to patient care, and training the next generation of physicians and scientists in the field of endocrinology and metabolic diseases.

For more information on how to address insulin resistance and improve overall health, visit Endocrinology & Metabolism.