Insulin-sensitive obesity

The association between obesity and impaired insulin sensitivity has long been recognized, although a subgroup of obese individuals seems to be protected from insulin resistance. In this study, we systematically studied differences in adipose tissue biology between insulin-sensitive (IS) and insulin-resistant (IR) individuals with morbid obesity. On the basis of glucose infusion rate during euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamps, 60 individuals with a BMI of 45 +/- 1.3 kg/m(2) were divided into an IS and IR group matched for age, sex, and body fat prior to elective surgery. We measured fat distribution, circulating adipokines, and parameters of inflammation, glucose, and lipid metabolism and characterized adipose…