"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

• I Genetic and Environmental Factors Affecting Insulin Action.- 1 Genetics of Insulin Resistance.- 2 Ethnic Variation in Insulin Resistance and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes.- 3 Fetal Effects on Insulin Resistance and Glucose Tolerance.- 4 Obesity and Insulin Resistance: Epidemiologic, Metabolic, and Molecular Aspects.- 5 The Role of Body Fat Distribution in Insulin Resistance.- 6 Physical Activity and Insulin Resistance in Man.- 7 Insulin Resistance in Smokers and Other Long-Term Users of Nicotine.- II Pathophysiology of Insulin Resistance.- 8 Insulin Resistance and Inhibitors of Insulin Receptor Tyrosine Kinase.- 9 NMR Studies on the Mechanism of Insulin Resistance.- 10 Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance in Humans: Cellular Mechanisms.- 11 The Role of the Liver in Insulin Action and Resistance.- 12 The Pathophysiological Consequences of Adipose Tissue Insulin Resistance.- 13 Insulin Action and Endothelial Function.- III Clinical Syndromes Associated with Insulin Resistance.- 14 Insulin Resistance and Dyslipidemia: Implications for Coronary Heart Disease Risk.- 15 Insulin Resistance and Blood Pressure.- 16 Microalbuminuria and Insulin Resistance.- 17 PAI-1, Obesity, and Insulin Resistance.- 18 Insulin Resistance and Cardiovascular Disease.- 19 Insulin Resistance Effects on Sex Hormones and Ovulation in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.