Dysfunctional visceral fat plays a key role in the initiation and maintenance of chronic
inflammation, liver steatosis and subsequent systemic insulin resistance that primes the
body for development of metabolic syndrome. These changes, occurring with or without
obesity, lead to type 2 diabetes. In this chapter, we first provide a brief overview of the factors
that lead to dysfunctional visceral fat and their relative importance. Adipose tissue has a
great plasticity which allows for cell hypertrophy and, when needed, angiogenesis to sustain …