ABSTRACT
Circulating glucose in the body is tightly regulated and rapidly adjusted through a complex, multi-organ feedback system. Insulin resistance is a subclinical disorder characterized by a systemic and progressive decline in the ability of the pancreatic hormone insulin to maintain glucose homeostasis. Insulin resistance is highly prevalent in patients with obesity and is associated with cardiometabolic risk, morbidity, and mortality. As such, improving insulin sensitivity with or without weight loss can dramatically impact the quality of life in patients with obesity. In this chapter, we review the primary functions of insulin as it pertains to glucose homeostasis and the role of obesity as a causative factor in the onset of insulin resistance. Finally, we review approaches to the treatment of insulin resistance in patients with obesity.
