Abstract
The term “multiple risk factor syndrome”, a concept whereby insulin resistance is a common cause of lifestyle related disease, was first proposed, and this subsequently began to be called “metabolic syndrome”, a more comprehensive term. Thus, insulin resistance has come to be recognized not only as a cause of diabetes mellitus but also of all lifestyle related disease.
We report that the fasting immunoreactive insulin (F-IRI) level is a factor involved in metabolic abnormalities, of which obesity is representative, rather than a factor involved in diabetes mellitus. It is also the most useful parameter of insulin resistance in groups mainly consisting of healthy individuals such as those undergoing health check-up and Ningen Dock, though caution is required in the interpretation of its values.
In future clinical practice, insulin resistance may become more important as a risk for not only diabetes mellitus but also atherosclerosis among all lifestyle related disease. We outline the importance of determining F-IRI and cautions regarding the interpretation of its results, mainly based on our previous studies. (Ningen Dock 2011; 25: 7-14)
