Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2013; 121(05): 255-261
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1333233
Review
© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Interactions of the IGF System with Diabetes and its Vascular Complications

R. P. Narayanan
1   Vascular Research Group, Institute of Population Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
,
K. W. Siddals
1   Vascular Research Group, Institute of Population Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
,
A. H. Heald
1   Vascular Research Group, Institute of Population Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
2   Department of Medicine, Leighton Hospital, United Kingdom
,
J. M. Gibson
1   Vascular Research Group, Institute of Population Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
3   Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Salford Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 30 August 2012
first decision 04 December 2012

accepted 18 December 2012

Publication Date:
21 February 2013 (online)

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Abstract

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system is an evolutionarily conserved group of important proteins that are fundamental to life. Indeed, insulin can be viewed as simply a specialized arm of the IGF system that has evolved to regulate primarily metabolic functions. The main purpose of the IGF system is to form a highly refined mechanism for the control of cellular growth, metabolism and survival. Dysregulation of such a system can have serious consequences. In this review we have focussed on the IGF system and its relation to diabetes and the development of cardiometabolic disorders.