What is insulin resistance?
The pancreas produces the hormone insulin. Because it helps the body’s cells absorb glucose from the blood and lowers glucose production in the liver, it is released into the bloodstream when blood glucose levels rise after eating, preventing blood sugar levels from rising too high.
Insulin resistance occurs when muscle, fat, and liver cells do not react appropriately to insulin, which impairs their capacity to absorb blood glucose. To get the desired result, a higher insulin concentration will be required.
Insulin resistance and prediabetes are typically diagnosed and treated by medical professionals with expertise in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism.
Prognosis of insulin resistance
Insulin resistance typically causes the body to produce more insulin to compensate – a condition known as hyperinsulinaemia. Moreover, it is a driving factor behind the development of type 2 diabetes, prediabetes and gestational diabetes.
Symptoms of insulin resistance
There are usually no symptoms of insulin resistance when the condition first develops; symptoms manifest later as a knock-on effect of high blood glucose levels, including:
- Hunger
- Lethargy
- Difficulty concentrating
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Weight gain, particularly around the belly
Medical tests to diagnose insulin resistance
A blood test for elevated insulin levels can be used to diagnose insulin resistance. However, because some of the most effective tests, like the euglycemic clamp, are too costly and complex to perform in a doctor’s office, doctors hardly ever perform tests expressly for insulin resistance.
Since prediabetes rarely develops without insulin resistance, it is most frequently identified during blood tests for the condition.
What are the causes of insulin resistance?
The causes of insulin resistance are not completely understood, but several risk factors that could contribute to its development have been identified:
- Being overweight/obese
- Little physical activity
- A diet that is high in calories, sugar and/or carbohydrates
- Chronic stress
- Long-term use of steroids taken in high doses
- Certain other conditions, such as polycystic ovary disease and Cushing’s disease
Treatments for insulin resistance
To manage insulin resistance and even reverse it in some cases, you can make straightforward lifestyle changes:
Diet adjustments: Consider low-carb, low-calorie, or ketogenic diets. These help regulate blood sugar levels by reducing the need for your body to produce too much insulin.
Regular physical activity: Start with a simple 30-minute daily walk. This can improve how your body responds to insulin. You can also increase your exercise levels by going to the gym or participating in physical activities you enjoy.
Weight control: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. Losing excess weight, especially around your belly, can make your body more sensitive to insulin.
Medical options: In some cases, like severe obesity, weight loss surgery might be an option. These surgeries not only help with weight loss but can also improve how your body uses insulin, leading to better blood sugar control.
Remember, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or dietitian to create a plan tailored to your specific needs when addressing insulin resistance.