INS and metabolic syndrome: It is evident from the preceding discussion that one significant factor that could render South Asians highly susceptible to develop insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, the metabolic syndrome, IHD and atherosclerosis could be a defect in the activity of Δ6 and Δ5 desaturases and consequent lower plasma and tissue concentrations of PUFAs such as GLA, DGLA, AA, EPA and DHA and reduced formation of anti-inflammatory products PGE1, PGI2, PGI3, lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, maresins and nitrolipids that inhibit leukocyte activation and enhance insulin action.