INS and Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance, characterized by the diminished ability of cells to respond to insulin, significantly increases the risk of developing chronic metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)—a severe liver disease marked by inflammation, fibrosis, and increased risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma—contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide.