Inflammatory Biomarkers and Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes
Summary
The chronic low-grade inflammation characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus has emerged as both a contributor to and consequence of insulin resistance. Circulating inflammatory biomarkers—ranging from cytokines such as interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha, to acute-phase proteins such as C-reactive protein—reflect dysregulated immune responses in adipose tissue, liver and vasculature. These molecules can impair insulin signalling in muscle and hepatic cells by activating stress kinases and promoting serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrates, thereby exacerbating hyperglycaemia. Conversely, hyperglycaemia and lipotoxicity further drive inflammatory cascades, establishing a vicious cycle. Understanding this bidirectional relationship between inflammation and insulin resistance has guided the search for predictive biomarkers and novel interventions aimed at halting disease progression and vascular complications.
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Inflammatory Biomarkers and Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in inflammatory biomarkers and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Inflammatory biomarker: A circulating molecule, such as a cytokine or acute-phase protein, indicating activation of the immune response.
Insulin resistance: A reduced cellular response to insulin signalling, leading to impaired glucose uptake and elevated blood glucose levels.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR): The quotient of neutrophil count divided by lymphocyte count, used as an indicator of systemic inflammatory status.
Homeostatic assessment model for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR): A calculated index from fasting glucose and insulin measurements to estimate insulin sensitivity.
C-reactive protein (CRP): An acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to interleukin-6, reflecting systemic inflammation.
References
- The role of peripheral white blood cell counts in the association between central adiposity and glycemic status. Nutrition & Diabetes (2024).
- Key biomarkers in type 2 diabetes patients: A systematic review. Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism (2024).
- Relationship between neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and insulin resistance in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. BMC Endocrine Disorders (2015).
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