This book presents up-to-date reviews on topics related to insulin resistance and its consequences across the lifespan. The first section of the book examines epidemiology. The second part of the book explores pathophysiology.

Over the last few years, the understanding of metabolic syndrome has advanced in a number of directions. This book provides an update on the current status of the understanding of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in children and adults. There is particular focus on childhood precursors of the disorder (fetal, perinatal, and childhood factors) since this is an area of great promise for prevention of future expansion of the epidemic. The book is divided into three major sections - epidemiology, pathophysiology, and intervention (both pharmacologic and lifestyle) in both adults and children.

State-of-the-art perspective on insulin resistance by renowned experts in the field Topics cover insulin resistance and its consequences across the lifespan Reviews controversies over the definition of metabolic syndrome in adults and children Addresses current knowledge regarding the epidemiology of insulin resistance in the pediatric population Examines views on prenatal and early childhood environment to the development of insulin resistance Explores pathophysiology, with reviews of the techniques used to study insulin resistance Provides an overview of current knowledge of the molecular and physiologic mechanisms of insulin resistance, including the contributions of adipose tissue and biochemical mediators Discusses the relationship between insulin resistance and cardiovascular, endothelial, liver and gonadal disorders Explores the impact of exercise and weight loss medications on insulin resistance

Inhalt
Epidemiology.- The Metabolic Syndrome: Definitions, Controversies and Clinical Utility.- Epidemiology of the Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders in Children and Adolescents.- Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents Worldwide.- Maternal-Fetal Contributors to the Insulin Resistance Syndrome in Youth.- Early Childhood Contributions to Insulin Resistance.- Pathophysiology.- Molecular Mechanisms of Insulin Resistance.- Techniques Used to Assess Insulin Action.- Adiposity is The Enemy: Body Composition and Insulin Sensitivity.- Ectopic Fat Deposition, Adiponectin and Insulin Resistance in Obese Adolescents.- Mediators of Insulin Resistance.- Insulin Resistance and the Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular Disease.- Insulin Resistance and Cardiovascular Disease.- The Liver and Insulin Resistance: The Important Convergence of Endocrinology and Hepatology.- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Metabolic Syndrome.- Treatment.- Effects of Exercise in Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes: A Central Role for Insulin Sensitivity.- Weight Loss Medications and the Metabolic Syndrome.