Early Clinical Expressions of Insulin Resistance: The Real Enemy to Look For

The article from 2017 highlighted the significance of recognizing and addressing insulin resistance (IR) early to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It identified conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, androgenic alopecia, acanthosis nigricans, and polycystic ovarian syndrome as early signs of IR, which precede the onset of hyperglycemia by years. The authors proposed that targeting these early signs, referred to as "insulin resistance clinical syndrome," with interventions such as exercise, diet, and possibly metformin, could be more effective in preventing T2DM than focusing on hyperglycemia. They argued that prompt and aggressive treatment of these early IR indicators is essential for reducing diabetes-related economic costs and enhancing the quality and length of life for those at high metabolic risk.