Southeast Texas Medical Associates, LLP James L. Holly, M.D. Southeast Texas Medical Associates, LLP


EPM Tools - Progression to Diabetes - Insulin Resistance
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Insulin resistance increases the secretory function of the B-cell.

  • The idea that this leads to B-cell exhaustion may not be a fact.  The following argue against that.
  • First, insulin resistance is common, occurring in almost all obese subjects.  Even so, only a small proportion of obese individuals ultimately develop diabetes.
  • Second, the Pima Indian study highlights the fact that B-cell function is enhanced in apparently health subjects as insulin resistance progresses.
  • Third, induction of short-term experimental insulin resistance with nicotinic acid is associated with adaptive increase in B-cell function manifested as increased insulin release and a decrease in proportion of proinsulin in plasma.
  • Therefore, it would seem that a failure to adequately adapt to insulin resistance may be due to a genetically programmed B-cell abnormality associated with an inability of the normal B-cell to adapt to insulin resistance and increased secretory demand thus uncovering a defect in B-cell function.
  • On the other hand, the B-cells in those without such a genetic issue would adapt and prevent the development of hyperglycemia.