Dyslipidemia in Achilles Tendinopathy Is Characteristic of Insulin Resistance

Abstract

This pattern of dyslipidemia is characteristic of the dyslipidemia displayed by individuals with insulin resistance and is common in the metabolic syndrome. Two additional aspects of tendinopathy research support a connection with the metabolic syndrome. First, tendinopathy has been associated with greater waist circumference, as has the metabolic syndrome. Second, insulin resistance has been associated with fat deposition in muscle (primarily intracellular), whereas fat deposition in tendon has been found among those with tendon pain.If tendinopathy is confirmed to be associated with dyslipidemia and the metabolic syndrome in larger studies, it may be appropriate to redefine our concept of tendinopathy to that of a cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this case, we may be able to draw considerably on CVD research to improve our understanding of tendinopathy, and perhaps treating CVD risk factors will improve the treatment of tendinopathy.