Complications

Adipose tissue accumulation in the abdominal area and specifically inside the abdominal cavity (called intra-abdominal adipose tissue) is linked to glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia which results from the resistance state of the glucose metabolism to the action of insulin (insulin resistance). Insulin resistance is characterized by the incompetency of insulin to act on the tissue and metabolism glucose intake. The link between obesity and insulin resistance is now scientifically admitted.

Furthermore, obesity, especially in its intra-abdominal form, contributes to insulin resistance by increasing the release of the lipidic substrates as well as tissue penetration. Therefore hyperinsulinemia is an adaptative response to the insulin resistance of peripheral tissues.

Insulin resistance is deemed a prediabetic state, type 2 diabetes being the following stage where an inadequate insulin secretion from an exhausted pancreas can no longer maintain a normal glycemia. Thence, insulin resistance is a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.