Insulin: Deficiency, Excess and Resistance in Human Disease

Insulin: Deficiency,Excess and Resistance in Human Disease provides an overview of the role of insulin in the pathogenesis of non-communicable diseases,insulin replacement therapies,and novel cardioprotective and insulin-sensitizing drugs. Despite advances,providing insulin replacement therapy that mimics normal physiology remains elusive.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 444 pages
Publication date: 26 January 2024
Publisher: Elsevier Science & Technology

Insulin: Deficiency, Excess, and Resistance in Human Disease provides a comprehensive overview of the role of insulin in the pathogenesis of prevalent non-communicable diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. It also delves into a comprehensive review of insulin replacement therapies and novel cardioprotective and insulin-sensitizing drugs. Additionally, the book discusses notable advances in precision diagnosis and therapy for single gene subtypes of diabetes, highlighting the importance of personalized medicine in managing this complex condition.

Insulin, a hormone secreted by beta cells in the pancreas, plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels. However, the management of insulin in human disease is complex and multifaceted. Insulin deficiency, excess, and resistance are all factors that contribute to the development and progression of various non-communicable diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

Insulin deficiency occurs when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient amounts of insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. This condition is commonly associated with type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells responsible for insulin production. Insulin deficiency can also be caused by other factors such as genetic predisposition, certain medications, and certain diseases.

On the other hand, insulin excess occurs when the body produces too much insulin, leading to low blood glucose levels. This condition is commonly associated with type 2 diabetes, a metabolic disorder in which the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or fails to produce enough insulin. Insulin excess can also be caused by factors such as diet, exercise, and certain medications.

Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells become less sensitive to the effects of insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. This condition is commonly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Insulin resistance can also be caused by factors such as diet, exercise, genetic predisposition, and certain medications.

The pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes involves a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. For example, genetic factors such as the presence of certain variants in the insulin receptor gene and the beta cell gene can increase the risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Environmental factors such as diet, exercise, and stress can also contribute to the development of these conditions.

Insulin replacement therapies are used to treat insulin deficiency and type 2 diabetes. These therapies involve the administration of insulin via injection, pump, or pen. Insulin replacement therapies aim to mimic the natural release of insulin by the pancreas and provide patients with the necessary glucose control to maintain their health.

However, the use of insulin replacement therapies can be associated with various side effects, including weight gain, hypoglycemia, and insulin resistance. Therefore, it is important for patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their individual needs and goals.

In addition to insulin replacement therapies, there are several novel cardioprotective and insulin-sensitizing drugs that are being developed to treat non-communicable diseases. These drugs aim to improve the function of the heart and blood vessels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

For example, statins, a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs, have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving the function of the heart and blood vessels. Similarly, metformin, a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood glucose levels.

Precision diagnosis and therapy for single gene subtypes of diabetes are also important areas of research and development. Single gene mutations can cause specific types of diabetes, such as monogenic diabetes, which can be difficult to manage with conventional treatment approaches. Precision diagnosis and therapy can help patients receive personalized treatment plans that are tailored to their specific genetic makeup.

In conclusion, insulin plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of prevalent non-communicable diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Insulin deficiency, excess, and resistance are all factors that contribute to the development and progression of these conditions. Insulin replacement therapies and novel cardioprotective and insulin-sensitizing drugs are used to treat these conditions, but it is important for patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their individual needs and goals. Precision diagnosis and therapy for single gene subtypes of diabetes are also important areas of research and development, as they can help patients receive personalized treatment plans that are tailored to their specific genetic makeup.

Dimension: 235 x 191 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780323917070