Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part A (2024)

Background: Insulin resistance is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The atherogenic index (AI) reflects the balance between athero-promoting and anti-atherogenic lipoproteins and may be a marker for CVD risk assessment. In the current review, we examine the correlation between insulin resistance and AI inpatients with T2DM.
Methods: A comprehensive review was performed on the relevant literature on insulin resistance, AI, and their association with T2DM; PubMed, EMBASE, and other databases were searched to investigate the association of these factors.
Results: Studies suggest a positive relationship between insulin resistance and AI in T2DM patients. Patients with high insulin resistance often exhibit an atherosclerotic lipid profile characterized by elevated triglycerides and small, dense LDL particles, along with decreased levels of HDL cholesterol. This imbalance increases AI, indicating a higher risk of atherosclerosis and CVD development.
Conclusion: This review highlights the potential association between insulin resistance and AI in T2DM and suggests that AI may be a useful tool to identify patients at high risk for CVD. To explore the potential of AI as a therapeutic target or prognostic marker in T2DM management, further studies are needed.