SHBG and Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance is also associated with lipid abnormalities, characterized by elevated very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and triglycerides, decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and a decline in the hepatic production of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which may lead to an increase in the levels of free hormones (including estrogen and testosterone).