Carbohydrate metabolism, insulin resistance, and metabolic cardiovascular syndrome.

Insulin resistance is seen in several pathophysiological conditions, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and essential hypertension. This means that a greater than normal amount of insulin is needed to give a normal biological response. A major biochemical defect in insulin resistance seems to be a defect in the intracellular nonoxidative metabolism of glucose in muscle cells. However, in many individuals, there is also increased hepatic glucose output. The result of insulin resistance in individuals with normal insulin-secreting capacity is hyperinsulinemia, a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease.