A dynamic simulation model for insulin resistance and type II diabetes in the context of obesity

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes, is a frequently seen endocrinological disease leading to other serious health problems such as heart disease and kidney dysfunction that may eventually lead to a premature death. Insulin resistance is seen as the starting point of this disorder. Obesity, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), hyperinsulinemia (excess levels of insulin in the blood) are the main reasons for developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, ultimately. Other factors are indicated as age, gender and genetic factors. The aim of this study is to construct a dynamic simulation model that can realistically reproduce the long term behavior of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes related to obesity. For this purpose, a system dynamic model is constructed which focuses on the interaction between the body weight of an average individual and the glucose and insulin regulation in the body. Firstly, a model which shows the relationship between body weight and glucose-insulin mechanism for a healthy body is generated. In the validation part, the effect of obesity on glucose regulation is demonstrated. According to the available research on this topic, doing exercise and changes in the diet may reduce the severity of insulin resistance or even eliminate this disorder completely. Simulation experiments with the model show that different physical activity levels and dietary intakes have impact on developing insulin resistance. Yet in the long run, insulin secretion level and beta-cell dysfunctionality play a more significant role for developing type II diabetes. In conclusion, the obesity factor on insulin resistance and type II diabetes is demonstrated in the model in a major scope, by using available information and data in the literature.