Widespread lack/loss of tissue and/or metabolic abnormalities (diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance)
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GL is characterized by a lack of the hormone, leptin.
Generalized Lipodystrophy (GL) is a rare, complex, and clinically heterogeneous disorder characterized by the widespread lack or loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue in most or all parts of the body, and leading to a deficiency of the hormone leptin.1,2
Widespread lack/loss of tissue and/or metabolic abnormalities (diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance)
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In GL the lack of adipose tissue can lead to leptin deficiency, which results in metabolic complications, including:
Adipose tissue is not a passive reservoir for energy storage—it is a complex and active organ.3
Adipose tissue plays a critical role in producing the key hormone leptin to ensure proper metabolic function.4
1. Handelsman Y, Oral EA, Bloomgarden ZT, et al. The clinical approach to the detection of lipodystrophy—an AACE consensus statement. EndocrPract. 2013;19(1):107-116.doi:10.4158/endp.19.1.v767575m65p5mr06. 2. Brown RJ, Araujo-Vilar D, Cheung PT, et al. The diagnosis and management of lipodystrophy syndromes: a multi-society practice guideline.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(12):4500-4511. doi:10.1210/jc.2016-2466.