Clinical insights into the lifestyle and dietary management of insulin resistance syndrome

Abstract

Insulin resistance syndrome and its associated abnormalities are recognised as major public health issues. Abnormalities associated with the syndrome include, but are not limited to, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome. Identifying the insulin resistance syndrome in practice has been clinically challenging in recent years. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) have published a position statement on insulin resistance syndrome, indicating how to clearly identify the syndrome and recognise associated abnormalities. Obesity is a factor that contributes to an increased risk of developing the insulin resistance syndrome; however, insulin resistance does not cause obesity. Dietary and lifestyle factors that facilitate weight reduction will reduce an individual's risk for developing the insulin resistance syndrome. Furthermore, dietary factors can positively affect some of the abnormalities associated with the syndrome such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension. This review further illustrates that the manipulation of macronutrient intake and macronutrient subtypes within an appropriate energy restriction may further be of benefit and directly impact on insulin sensitivity and hyperinsulinaemia associated with the insulin resistance syndrome.