Brain Insulin Resistance and Disease.

Candesartan.

Insulin resistance is a major factor in several health issues, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It shares common problems with high blood pressure, such as increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell dysfunction. Excess intracellular calcium is known to negatively affect insulin signaling, but it's unclear if reducing calcium overload can improve insulin sensitivity.

In this study, researchers found that the high blood pressure medication candesartan had unexpected benefits for reducing insulin resistance. Candesartan significantly reduced calcium overload and lipid accumulation in cells, which improved insulin resistance by promoting proper insulin signaling. When given to obese mice, candesartan decreased insulin resistance, liver fat, high cholesterol, and inflammation by preventing calcium overload and reducing lipid buildup.

These findings show that excess intracellular calcium plays a major role in insulin resistance, and that existing medications like candesartan may be repurposed to treat both insulin resistance and high blood pressure.

Lee, J.W., Gu, HO., Jung, Y. et al. Candesartan, an angiotensin-II receptor blocker, ameliorates insulin resistance and hepatosteatosis by reducing intracellular calcium overload and lipid accumulation. Exp Mol Med (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s12276-023-00982-6

Here is a great example of new research showing benefit from a drug that has been present in the community for many years that can have beneficial effects outside of what the drug was initially designed for.  This seems like a go to drug for those with metabolic syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes for obvious reasons.  What blood pressure medicine are you taking? 

Jason & Rita