title: Adverse endothelial function and the insulin resistance syndrome.
abstract: Type 2 diabetes is characterized by impaired endothelial dependent vasodilatation which may contribute to the high prevalence of vascular disease in such patients. Although hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia and hypertension can all independently cause a similar defect, recent data suggest that endothelial dysfunction may be intrinsic to the insulin resistance syndrome that commonly precedes type 2 diabetes. Such abnormalities in endothelial function could represent the impact of subclinical disturbance of metabolism or alternatively the presence of a common cellular defect that influences both nitric oxide bioavailability and insulin mediated glucose disposal. Resolution of this puzzle is likely to lead to important advances in our knowledge and ultimately treatment of vascular disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diabetes and Vascular Medicine, School of Postgraduate Medicine and Vascular Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Devon, UK. j.e.tooke@exeter.ac.uk
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Tooke
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Hannemann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001724:Birth Weight / Q000502:physiology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000502:physiology