Obesity, Diabetes and Inflammation

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic that affects half a billion people. It has been estimated that, if current trends continue, by 2050, 60% of men and 50% of women worldwide will be obese. Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of white adipose tissue caused by overweight and obesity lead to a chronic inflammatory state, which results in impaired insulin sensitivity and the development of diabetes. Currently, the number of people affected by diabetes globally exceeds 400 million (rising more rapidly in low- and middle-income countries). In 2019, diabetes was the ninth leading cause of mortality, with an estimated 1.5 million direct deaths.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between inflammation, obesity, and diabetes. It focuses on the pathogenesis and biological mechanisms of obesity, the interaction between adipose tissue and the immune system, the role of genetic and environmental factors, the progression of cardiovascular complications, and the association of obesity and inflammation with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as gestational diabetes. This volume also includes practical recommendations for preventing and managing these conditions using both lifestyle modifications and pharmacological interventions.

Written by experts in the field, Obesity, Diabetes and Inflammation: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Management addresses the role of inflammation in both obesity and diabetes, its effect on vascular and non-vascular pathologies, oxidative stress, genetics, and epigenetics. This text aims to be a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and students of medicine at all levels.