Insulin Resistance Linked to Over 30 Diseases and Increased Mortality in Women

A startling link between insulin resistance and over 30 diseases, along with increased mortality risk in women has been revealed by recent research. This large-scale study, presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), provides new insights into the broad impact of insulin resistance beyond its well-known role in type 2 diabetes (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Insulin resistance is associated with 31 diseases and all-cause mortality in females in the UK Biobank: a prospective cohort study

Go to source). Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells fail to respond properly to insulin, a hormone responsible for allowing cells to absorb glucose from the blood. This resistance causes glucose to build up in the bloodstream, leading to elevated blood sugar levels, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. Though the exact causes of insulin resistance are still being studied, excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle are believed to be major contributors.

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Study of Insulin Resistance Using UK Biobank Data

To explore the effects of insulin resistance, Ms. Jing Wu from Shandong Provincial Hospital in China and her team analyzed data from the UK Biobank. The UK Biobank houses health data on over 500,000 people, allowing researchers to study genetic, lifestyle, and medical factors over a long period.

The study focused on 429,159 participants aged 40 to 69 years. Using blood sugar and fat measurements, including cholesterol, the researchers calculated each participant's TyG index, a well-established measure of insulin resistance. These scores ranged from 5.87 to 12.46 units, with an average score of 8.71.

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Links Between Insulin Resistance and 31 Diseases

Over a median follow-up period of 13 years, the study found insulin resistance to be associated with 31 diseases. The findings are as follows:

Higher risk of 26 diseases: Insulin resistance was linked to a higher likelihood of conditions such as sleep disorders, bacterial infections, pancreatitis, gout, and cardiovascular diseases.

Lower risk of 5 diseases: Surprisingly, a higher TyG index was associated with a reduced risk of diseases like Parkinson’s disease, anaemia, and osteoporosis.

For instance, every one-unit increase in insulin resistance was found to:

• Increase the risk of sleep disorders by 18%.
• Raise the likelihood of bacterial infections by 8%.
• Amplify the risk of pancreatitis by 31%.

However, for diseases like Parkinson’s disease, a one-unit increase in insulin resistance led to a 16% decrease in risk. This unexpected relationship highlights the complex role insulin resistance plays in overall health.

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Impact on Women: A Higher Risk of Early Death

One of the most concerning findings from the study is that insulin resistance appears to have a unique impact on women’s health. The analysis revealed that for every one-unit increase in insulin resistance, women had an 11% higher chance of dying from any cause during the study period. This association was not observed in men, suggesting potential sex-based differences in how insulin resistance affects overall mortality.

Among the diseases linked to insulin resistance, the following stood out as particularly significant:

• Type 2 Diabetes: A known outcome of insulin resistance, with a 166% increased risk.
• Gout: The study found a 65% higher likelihood of developing gout.
• Dyslipidaemia: A 61% increase in the risk of abnormal blood fat levels.
• Sciatica: A novel finding, with a 10% higher risk linked to insulin resistance.

In contrast, a higher TyG index decreased the risk of Parkinson’s disease by 16%, a relationship that had not been clearly established before.

Participants with higher insulin resistance tended to be older, male, smokers, physically inactive, and obese. These findings reinforce the importance of modifiable lifestyle factors in managing insulin resistance. Ms. Wu emphasized that public awareness of these factors could empower individuals to take proactive measures to improve their metabolic health.

Implications for Disease Prevention and Management

The study’s findings open new doors for early intervention strategies aimed at reducing the risk of diseases associated with insulin resistance. Identifying individuals with higher insulin resistance allows healthcare providers to focus on preventive measures, such as encouraging regular physical activity and a balanced diet low in refined carbohydrates and added sugars.

The research presented at the EASD conference underscores the critical role insulin resistance plays in a wide range of diseases. It also highlights the importance of early detection, especially in women, where the risk of early death is significantly higher. Addressing modifiable factors such as weight, activity level, and smoking habits can help mitigate the risks associated with insulin resistance, improving long-term health outcomes.

Reference:

1. Insulin resistance is associated with 31 diseases and all-cause mortality in females in the UK Biobank: a prospective cohort study - (https://www.easd.org/media-centre/home.html#!resources/b-insulin-resistance-is-associated-with-31-diseases-and-all-cause-mortality-in-females-in-the-uk-biobank-a-prospective-cohort-study-b)

Source-Medindia