Obesity and insulin resistance show increasing incidence in all ages,
especially but not only, in western countries. The world epidemic on obesity imposes a
higher prevalence of subjects with insulin resistance. This latter condition is associated
with impairments on macro and microvascular function of different degrees. The exact
interrelationship and meaning of this association and subsequent result on glucose
homeostasis, vascular damage and end-organ impairments deserve further investigations.
Techniques used to study the microcirculation could help researchers to clarify these
questions. This chapter will focus on techniques employed in humans to investigate the
microcirculation, endothelial reactivity, their significance and importance for the
understanding of microcirculatory function with special focus on those employed and
experienced by the authors.
Keywords: Microcirculation, techniques, insulin resistance.
