Insulin receptor/IRS-1/PI 3-kinase signaling system in corticosteroid-induced insulin resistance

Since the discovery of insulin over 70 years ago, considerable effort has been devoted to understanding the molecular mechanism of insulin action. The importance of understanding insulin action is emphasized by the prevalence of insulin resistance and by the fact that it plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many disorders, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and the glucose intolerance associated with several endocrine diseases. In this review, we discuss current concepts of the mechanisms of insulin action and insulin resistance associated with glucocorticoid excess.