Polymorphisms Involved in Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Inflammation: Influence of Nutrients and Dietary Interventions

Insulin resistance (IR) is a metabolic disorder characterized by an impaired response to insulin. This condition is associated with excess adiposity and metabolic inflammation, contributing to an increased risk for related chronic diseases. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can affect genes related to metabolic pathways which are related to IR and the individual response to nutrients and dietary patterns, affecting metabolic inflammation and insulin sensitivity. This narrative review explores the current evidence on interactions between genetic variants and dietary factors, specifically their effects in modulating IR and metabolic inflammation. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, and a total of 95 articles were reviewed. The key findings reveal that SNPs in the <i>TCF7L2</i>, <i>ADIPOQ</i>, and <i>TNF</i> genes significantly influence metabolic responses and modulate the effects of the Mediterranean diet on biomarkers of inflammation and IR. Genotype-dependent variations in IR and inflammation biomarkers were observed in the response to different diets for SNPs in the <i>TCF7L2</i>, <i>ADIPOQ</i>, and <i>TNF</i> genes. Additionally, polygenic risk scores (PRSs) can also predict the response to the intake of nutrients and specific diets, and offer a promising tool for assessing genetic predisposition to IR. This review underscores the pivotal role of an individual’s genetic background in the effects of their nutrient intake and in the responses to dietetic interventions, thereby laying the foundation for personalized and effective nutritional strategies tailored to each individual’s necessity in mitigating IR and its associated risk factors for chronic diseases.