Study Links Insulin Resistance to Early Death in Women and 31 Other Diseases

Insulin resistance, a condition previously linked to numerous health issues, has now been associated with an increased risk of early death in women, as well as 31 different diseases, according to a new study. While the precise causes of insulin resistance remain unclear, experts believe that factors such as excessive weight and lack of physical activity play a significant role.

The study was led by Jing Wu and colleagues from the Department of Endocrinology at Shandong Provincial Hospital in China, who sought to investigate the wider impacts of insulin resistance. To do this, they turned to the UK Biobank, a large-scale health resource containing genetic, medical, and lifestyle data from over 500,000 individuals in the UK. This data provided a broad base for understanding how insulin resistance affects overall health.

One of the key elements used to measure insulin resistance in the study was the TyG index, which is based on participants’ blood sugar and fat levels, including cholesterol. The index offers a reliable way to estimate insulin resistance levels. According to the findings, the TyG index scores among participants ranged from 5.87 to 12.46 units, with an average score of 8.71 units.

The researchers observed a notable pattern: participants with higher TyG index scores tended to be men, older, less physically active, smokers, and more likely to be living with obesity. This group, with higher levels of insulin resistance at the start of the study, was linked to more adverse health outcomes. The findings were published in the journal *Diabetologia*.

By monitoring the health of participants over a median follow-up period of 13 years, the researchers discovered that insulin resistance was linked to a heightened risk of developing 31 different diseases. Of these, insulin resistance was directly associated with an increased likelihood of developing 26 conditions, including sleep disorders, bacterial infections, and pancreatitis. The researchers also found that the greater the degree of insulin resistance, the higher the risk of these diseases.

In terms of gender-specific findings, the study revealed a significant association between insulin resistance and all-cause mortality in women. The data showed that for every one-unit increase in insulin resistance, women had an 11% higher risk of dying during the study period. This was a striking finding, as no such link was observed for men.

The research also highlighted some of the specific diseases related to insulin resistance. For example, every one-unit increase in insulin resistance was associated with an 18% higher risk of developing sleep disorders. Additionally, the risk of bacterial infections rose by 8%, and the likelihood of developing pancreatitis increased by a significant 31% with each unit increase in insulin resistance.

One of the most important aspects of this study is its potential implications for public health. Insulin resistance, which was previously understood primarily as a precursor to conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, may have far-reaching effects on a person’s overall health. The study’s findings suggest that individuals with insulin resistance are more likely to develop a wide range of conditions, many of which may not have been previously linked to insulin dysfunction.

“We have shown that by assessing the degree of insulin resistance, it is possible to identify individuals who are at risk of developing obesity, hypertension, heart disease, gout, sciatica, and some other diseases,” said Jing Wu, the lead researcher. This insight could prove crucial for early detection and intervention, potentially improving outcomes for individuals with high insulin resistance.

The connection between insulin resistance and early death in women also raises important questions about why this link exists for women but not for men. While the study did not delve into the reasons for this gender difference, it opens the door for further research to explore the biological or lifestyle factors that may influence this disparity.

The study’s findings also emphasize the importance of addressing insulin resistance through lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight. Although the study did not specifically investigate interventions for reducing insulin resistance, it reinforces the idea that these factors could play a critical role in mitigating the risks associated with insulin resistance.

This new research highlights the extensive impact of insulin resistance on health, linking it not only to a wide range of diseases but also to an increased risk of early death in women. The findings underline the importance of monitoring insulin resistance as part of routine health assessments and suggest that greater attention should be paid to the condition, particularly in women, to prevent or delay the onset of related health issues. With further research and a focus on lifestyle interventions, there may be opportunities to reduce the burden of insulin resistance and improve health outcomes for many individuals.