MS patients have greater insulin resistance, a key diabetes feature

People living with multiple sclerosis (MS) have higher resistance to insulin, the hormone that helps control blood sugar levels, compared to those without the condition, according to a recent meta-analysis of several studies.

This finding supports the growing evidence that metabolic issues, such as insulin resistance, can affect brain function and contribute to neurological conditions.

Although the exact causes of MS are not fully understood, it is believed to result from a mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Some of these factors might also affect the severity and progression of MS. Researchers suggest that specific metabolic disturbances, particularly those related to blood sugar and insulin, might influence MS.

Insulin resistance occurs when the body doesn’t respond properly to insulin, which normally helps move glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy. This issue is a key feature of type 2 diabetes. The brain is very sensitive to insulin, which affects thinking, eating behaviours, and other brain functions. Insulin also influences inflammation, which is a significant aspect of MS.

Changes in how insulin works in the body could be involved in MS. Some studies have suggested that insulin resistance and other metabolic problems are common in people with MS, but their exact roles are not fully understood.

To explore this link, researchers from Iran conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, combining data from multiple studies. They reviewed 18 studies published between 2012 and 2022.

The analysis showed that people with MS had significantly higher levels of insulin resistance compared to those without MS. However, there was considerable variability between the studies. Insulin levels in the bloodstream were also higher in people with MS, which can lead to insulin resistance over time.

The connection between insulin resistance and MS was stronger in studies that included both relapsing and progressive forms of MS compared to those that only looked at relapsing-remitting MS. The researchers suggest this might be due to greater immune system disruption in progressive MS, leading to more significant insulin problems.

Overall, the findings suggest that insulin resistance might play a role in MS. However, the researchers stress the need for more high-quality studies with larger groups of patients to confirm these associations.