Reduced resistance to the hormone insulin (insulin resistance) can cause the most common form of diabetes (type 2 diabetes) and other common conditions. We have long been investigating the role of adipose tissue in insulin resistance in humans. We have shown that the turnover of fat cells (formation and death) and their fat content (uptake and release) are important and that this is regulated by inflammation in the adipose tissue. Part of the project addresses the mechanisms behind these findings. It is also known that the adipose tissue forms a large number of different adipokines that are released into the circulation. We believe that several of these >600 adipokines may affect insulin sensitivity. The application also aims to define these candidates for insulin resistance and their regulation. The project may provide new treatments for type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance as well as being used for preventive treatment.