NEW THERAPEUTIC AGENTS FOR THE TREATMENT OF INSULIN-RESISTANCE AND NIDDM

Two types of diabetes mellitus are recognized, type I insulin-dependen t and type II non-insulin-dependent. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellit us is characterized by autoimmune pancreatic beta-cell destruction and absolute dependence on exogenous insulin. The much more prevalent non -insulin-dependent variety is usually associated with hepatic and peri pheral insulin resistance and impaired beta-cell function. Current the rapy of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is based on lifestyle and drug regimes that maintain blood glucose concentrations close to n ormal. Rapid advances have recently been made in two pharmacological s trategies, thiazolidinedione insulin-sensitizing agents and thermogeni c/antidiabetic beta(3)-adrenoceptor agonists.