FEATURE: EXERCISE, IR AND METABOLIC SYNDROME EXERCISE, INSULIN RESI ANDTHE METABOLIC SYND Regular physical activity, often IR is the main aetiological factor of type 2 taken in the form of exercise,diabetes mellitus. It is also one of the has a myriad of positive healthmain risk factors for metabolic syndrome, benefits including ameliorationa multiplex condition in which related of many diseases. An important effecthormonal and biochemical abnormalities of exercise is to enhance the effect ofmanifest across many organ systems circulating insulin by facilitation of cellin the body. IR is common, affecting 10 membrane receptors. In the minutes toto 40 percent of the population in varying hours after exercise, insulin sensitivityseverity and across all ages. Clinical is increased such that liver and musclesyndromic features can include high cells are able to more effectively takeblood pressure and cardiovascular in glucose to store as glycogen. In theatherosclerotic disease, type 2 diabetes, context of chronic exercise, there is anabdominal obesity and skin changes upregulation of the effect of insulin.(skin tags and ancanthosis nigricans – Alternatively, in the absence of insulindark pigment), secondary to chronic sensitive cells (ie insulin resistance (IR)),inflammation, a pro-thrombotic state available glucose is more readily storedand altered lipids in the blood, increased as fat in adipose tissue. incidence of clinical anxiety and 22 VOLUME 36 • ISSUE 2 2018