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Key Summary Points
Why carry out this study? |
Insulin resistance and prediabetes are highly prevalent, particularly among Hispanic/Latino populations, and carry a host of serious long-term complications. |
A formulation combining several components with nutraceutical properties is likely to positively impact insulin resistance and its associated disturbances among adults at risk of diabetes. |
What was learned from the study? |
The lipid-based formulation evaluated in the study showed a positive effect on insulin resistance and its associated disturbances and hormonal profile. |
The study intervention induced favorable changes in insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, abdominal obesity, inflammation and peptide hormones related to nutrient metabolism. |
Introduction
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the primary cause of mortality worldwide, accounting for 73.4% of deaths in 2017 [1]. The past 10 years have witnessed a 22.7% increase in mortality due to cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, kidney diseases and neoplasms, among others [1]. Sixty-five percent of deaths attributable to risk factors are due to NCDs, representing 26.6 million deaths per year [2]. Metabolic risk factors are a pivotal determinant of the increasing burden of NCDs and show a worrisome upward trend in low- and middle-income countries [2].
Prediabetes, characterized by elevated plasma glucose without crossing diagnostic thresholds for diabetes, is the first consequence of insulin resistance and a major risk factor for developing clinical diabetes and its complications. The term prediabetes encompasses impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Insulin resistance is a pathophysiologic precursor to both conditions: IFG is mostly related to reduced hepatic insulin sensitivity, while IGT correlates more with reduced sensitivity at muscle and adipose tissue [3]. Insulin resistance is also accompanied by intracellular lipid accumulation in muscle and liver, and by increased circulating free fatty acids, all of which lead to a chronic proinflammatory state [4]. Additionally, prediabetes is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, microangiopathy, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea and even cognitive dysfunction [5]. Insulin resistance and its correlates have been associated with the development of cardiovascular disease [6].
Nonpharmacologic interventions in addition to diet and exercise may be useful tools to prevent the negative consequences of insulin resistance. In the USA, people tend to use vitamins and supplements along with their prescribed medicines; in fact, about 18% of the population substitutes medications with supplements [7]. The...