Interaction Connecting Leptin-Obesity-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Obesity is a chronic disease that is increasing in prevalence and represents an important risk factor for the developement of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and many forms of cancer. Fat distribution has a profound influence on health risks. For example, increased deposits of visceral, or abdominal fat correlate with risks for many diseases. The leptin system is an important and essential regulating factor for body weight and developement. Many studies have demonstrated that leptin plays an important role in behavior disorders such as obesity and anorexia. In recent studies insulin resistance has received considerable attention in the development of the metabolic syndrome, a cluster of disorders comprising glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and dysfibrinolysis that is associated with type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this short review is to define the interaction between leptin, obesity and insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.