Managing insulin resistance: role of liraglutide.

Diabetes mellitus is part of the insulin resistance syndrome, which includes hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity as its other components. Conversely, insulin resistance is a major pathophysiologic factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. It makes sense, therefore, to choose an anti-diabetic medication that acts on insulin resistance and its clinical components, while having anti-hyperglycemic effects as well. This review discusses the non-glycemic, or extra-pancreatic effects, including insulin sensitization, of liraglutide, a novel GLP-1 analog.