What Is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance is when specific cells in your body do not respond to insulin and blood sugar rises. Insulin is a critical hormone that regulates how your body uses and stores glucose and fat. Insulin resistance can be a temporary or chronic condition. It is commonly associated with obesity, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which is also known as PCOS.

Symptoms

The symptoms of insulin resistance may not be immediately noticeable. However, there are specific signs that hint at its presence.

These insulin resistance symptoms include:

• Frequent Urination—Your body may try to eliminate excess glucose in the bloodstream, leading to more frequent urination.
• Increased Thirst—More frequent urination can result in a higher intake of fluids due to increased thirst.
• Persistent Hunger—Insulin resistance can disrupt hunger-related communication between your body and brain, causing constant hunger despite eating regularly.
• Tiredness—Fatigue may set in as your cells struggle to absorb glucose, a key energy source.
• Weight Gain—Disrupted regulation of glucose and fat storage can sometimes lead to weight gain.
• Dark Skin Patches—Dark, velvety patches of skin, known as acanthosis nigricans, often develop in body creases and folds.
• Increased Infections—You may encounter more frequent infections, as high blood sugar levels can impair your body's healing and defense mechanisms.

Causes

Insulin resistance can be triggered by both physical attributes and certain hormonal disorders. It is important to understand these potential causes of insulin resistance to effectively manage and potentially prevent this condition.

Physical Causes:

• Obesity—Carrying extra weight, especially in the abdominal area, heightens the risk of experiencing insulin resistance.
• Physical Inactivity—A sedentary lifestyle can lead to increased insulin resistance, as consistent physical movement enhances your body's ability to process insulin.
• Poor Diet—Consuming high amounts of processed, sugary, or fatty foods can contribute to insulin resistance.

Hormonal Disorders:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)—This disorder, marked by an elevated presence of male hormones called androgens, is often linked to insulin resistance.
• Cushing's Syndrome—Excessive secretion of cortisol, a hormone synthesized by your adrenal glands, may result in insulin resistance.
• Acromegaly—This disorder, caused by excessive growth hormone, can increase the likelihood of insulin resistance.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase your susceptibility to insulin resistance. Recognizing these risk factors can aid in early detection and prevention.

Common risk factors for insulin resistance:

• Obesity
• Poor diet
• Ageing
• Ethnicity
• Acromegaly
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Gestational diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Cushing's Syndrome
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
• Abnormal cholesterol levels
• Family history of diabetes

Diagnosis

Diagnosing insulin resistance typically involves a series of tests conducted by a healthcare professional. These tests evaluate how your body produces and uses insulin.

Here are some common tests utilized:

• Fasting Blood Sugar Test—This test evaluates your glucose levels following a period of overnight fasting, indicating how your body manages glucose without recent food intake.
• Glucose Tolerance Test—This test assesses your body's response to sugar by comparing blood sugar levels before and after a glucose-rich drink.
• A1C Test—This test gives a snapshot of your blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months, offering a wider perspective on how well your body manages glucose.

Treatment

Treating insulin resistance often involves lifestyle modifications and potentially medication, with the aim of restoring your body's sensitivity to insulin.

Your doctor may recommend the following insulin resistance treatments:

• Regular Exercise—Physical activity can enhance your body's insulin sensitivity. This can range from moderate exercises like walking to more intense activities like running or strength training.
• Healthy Diet—Enjoying a well-rounded diet filled with whole foods like grains, fruits, veggies, lean meats, and good fats can support healthy sugar levels.
• Weight Loss—If overweight, reducing your body weight can significantly improve insulin sensitivity.
• Medication—In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications to help improve insulin response.

Prevention

Preventing insulin resistance is largely based on a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods to regulate blood sugar. Keeping a healthy weight is important, as excess weight can contribute to insulin resistance. Regular exercise, which boosts your body's insulin efficiency, is another crucial preventive measure.