Insulin resistance is a heterogenous condition with high prevalence in medical practice. As diabesity reaches epidemic levels worldwide, the role of insulin resistance is getting great importance. Contribution of risk factors like sedentary lifestyle, diets high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates leads to this state with significant consequences. Besides its role in diabetes, insulin resistance is also associated with other several endocrine diseases, having not only a role in their development, but also to their treatment approach, evolution and even prognosis. The present review summarizes the current literature on the clinical significance of insulin resistance, as well as the possible underlying mechanisms and treatment options in order to achieve a high quality of life of these categories of patients. Deepening the role of inflammatory cytokines involved in insulin resistance paves the way for future research findings in this continuously evolving field.

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is associated with familially inherited monogenic diabetes. It is characterized by genetic mutations leading to pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and subsequent insulin production. Clinical features of MODY include young-onset hyperglycemia associated with a lack of beta cell autoimmunity or insulin resistance. Glucose-lowering agents are the main therapeutic options for MODY. In this review, we have outlined the particular aspects of the most common types of MODY in order to assist clinical practitioners in this field.

Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a frequently encountered condition in medical practice. It should be suspected in patients where the type of the diabetes mellitus is not certain. LADA consists of features from both type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), being a condition which is often unnoticed. Considered as type 1.5 diabetes mellitus, the lack of insulin requirement at disease onset makes it initially to be included in T2DM in terms of therapeutic management. The improvement of the screening methods allows the detection of LADA at an early stage, therefore medical intervention should be effective in preserving beta-cell function and to delay the progression of the disease.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an increasingly condition in medical practice. In the absence of an effective therapeutic management, it can lead to significant maternal and neonatal complications with adverse health effects. Reducing the risk of morbidity is the goal achived by screening of all pregnant women and active involvement of health care staff and early medical intervention in case of detection of GDM. The aim of this review is to present the nowadays strategy of GDM approach. The management challenge is to maintain blood glucose levels within the targets recommended by current guidelines, which are in relatively narrow ranges. Nutritional intervention and lifestyle changes are of primary importance. If necessary insulin therapy is initiated, insulin analogues are preferable due to lower risk of hypoglycemia. Oral antidiabetics are not recommended in pregnancy, even if they are used in certain circumstances.