REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES AND INSULIN RESISTANCE ASSOCIATED TO GLUCOSE INTOLERANCE STATES

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous disease where a combination of beta-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance is usually present. Both impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose represent intermediate metabolic states between normal and diabetic glucose homeostasis. Oxidative stress is defined as tissue injury resulting from a disturbance in the equilibrium between the production of reactive oxygen species, also known as free radicals, and antioxidant defense mechanisms. In this review, we consider how oxidative stress interferes with insulin resistance in different glucose intolerance states, including type 2 diabetes mellitus.