Humana Insulin Resistance: The Metabolic Syndrome X: 12 (Contemporary Endocrinology, 12)

Gerald Reaven, the discoverer of Syndrome X, and a panel of world-class investigators thoughtfully summarize our current understanding of how insulin resistance and its compensating hyperinsulinemia play a major role in the pathogenesis and clinical course of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease-the so-called diseases of Western civilization. These distinguished authorities detail, for the first time, the pathophysiological consequences and the clinical syndromes, excluding Type 2 diabetes, related to insulin resistance. They also examine the genetic and lifestyle factors that contribute to the wide differences in insulin action that exist in the population at large. Timely and authoritative, Insulin Resistance: The Metabolic Syndrome X illuminates the full importance of insulin resistance as a major cause of hypertension, heart disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Review "Gerald Reaven was among the pioneers in this burgeoning field. He identified insulin resistance as a risk factor for and pathophysiologic trigger of disorders as apparently unconnected as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and polycystic ovary disease. Reaven and Laws have now brought together the diverse elements of this field in a book that will be of broad interest to the medical community. . .This book is an excellent and useful compendium of information about this rapidly moving field. It will be an essential addition to the libraries of those interested in any of the disorders linked to this prevalent metabolic state."-New England Journal of Medicine "the authors present a critical analysis and overview of the latest research in this fast changing field. . .an authoritative work on the current state of the knowledge on insulin resistance, and its major role in the pathogenesis and development of accelerated atherosclerosis and premature cardiovascular disease-the bane of modern civilization. It is of value to all basic and clinical researchers in this field."-Quarterly Review of Biology " This is an excellent book that will be particularly informative for those readers who are interested in understanding the mechanisms underlying the development of insulin resistance and the clinical and public health consequences of the metabolic syndrome. It should find a place on the bookshelves not only of scientists actively involved in this area of research but also of practicing physicians and medical students." ---Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases " Each section stands out as an in-depth review of the literature on each topic. Subject matter overlaps little among the chapters, and each chapter can be read independently." ---Annals of Internal Medicine "Who better to edit and contribute to a book on insulin resistance than Gerald Reaven, ...As a major contributor to the notion of a 'metabolic syndrome', Reaven has helped develop our ideas in this area for many years, bringing a pattern of thinking to an extremely complex area....the breadth of the book and the universally clear presentation and focus suggest that there should be something for everyone. Laws contributes an excellent chapter on insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and CVD,...remarkably consistent across the chapters, they were well focused, logically presented and comprehensive....The insulin resistance framework forms a pattern that has proven remarkably important in helping develop research strategies and this book helped me understand the many and varied facets of this pattern." -Elsevier Science From the Back Cover In Insulin Resistance: The Metabolic Syndrome X, outstanding investigators thoughtfully summarize our current understanding of how insulin resistance and its compensating hyperinsulinemia (Syndrome X) play a major role in the pathogenesis and clinical course of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease-the so-called diseases of Western civilization-as well as polycystic ovary disease. Under the aegis