Insulin Resistance in South Asians
What is insulin resistance?
Insulin resistance is when fat, muscle, and liver cells in lose the
ability to respond to insulin. This makes it difficult for these cells
to break down glucose (or sugar).
As a result, the pancreas releases more insulin into the
bloodstream. This leads to high levels of insulin, and several other
problems, such as:
- Raises bad cholesterol levels
- Lowers good cholesterol
levels
- Raises blood pressure
- Causes diabetes
- Makes it easier for blood to clot.
For South Asians, these risk factors also increase the likelihood of
developing coronary artery disease. You don't have to have diabetes to
be at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Insulin resistance in South Asians
The reason why South Asians are more insulin resistant than other
ethnic groups is unclear. Compared with other races, experts think
South Asians may have:
- More hidden fat
- Lower fitness levels
- A
genetic link to insulin resistance
At Stanford, we are conducting NIH-funded research to learn more
about insulin
resistance in South Asians.