DIABETES MELLITUS AND CLINICAL RESEARCH: A STUDY OF INSULIN RESISTANCE

Abstract

For the satisfactory solution of many clinical problems, a combined approach by physician and scientist is desirable. Certain aspects of the phenomenon of insulin resistance are used to illustrate this point. Insulin resistance is at times a transient state, and in some instances, at the height of resistance, no insulin is demonstrable in blood plasma. Later, with the recovery of tolerance, insulin can be demonstrated in blood plasma. Case records of patients in severe ketosis show that insulin resistance may develop at this time in either the presence or the absence of circulating insulin. A case is cited where a persisting insulin resistance existed in conjunction with ample circulating insulin. From this experience it can be assumed that insulin resistance does not necessarily arise in the same way in every instance.