Diet-induced insulin resistance precedes other aspects of the metabolic syndrome.

Abstract in brief

• The study found that a high-fat, refined sugar diet caused insulin resistance and increased blood insulin levels in female rats, starting as early as 2 weeks and persisting up to 2 years.
• Insulin resistance and high insulin levels appeared before other signs of metabolic syndrome like high blood pressure, increased triglycerides, and larger fat cells, suggesting these issues are primary effects of diet rather than obesity.
• The results indicate that diet alone, especially high-fat and sugar intake, triggers metabolic problems independently of weight gain, emphasizing the role of diet in developing insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.]