Insulin Resistance Diagnosis

The hormone insulin is produced by beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the body as well as the growth of cells. Insulin resistance is a precursor to type 2 diabetes.

Significance

• When the body becomes insulin-resistant, the pancreas must produce increasing amounts of insulin to have the same effect. When insulin levels are too high, fat cells do not release their stores for weight loss, and muscles do not use all the available glucose in the body. Insulin resistance results in additional medical conditions that are dangerous for the body.

Cause

• Genetics and hereditary are considered a major contributor to insulin resistance. However, certain medications also may lead to the condition. Research is being conducted to see if insulin resistance is associated with the onset of heart disease.

Risk Factors

• Factors putting a person at higher risk to develop insulin resistance are obesity, being over 40, having a family history of the condition, or having had gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Patients with high blood pressure or cholesterol problems or who have been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian disease are also at higher risk.

Diagnosis

• To diagnose insulin resistance, a doctor will evaluate your medical history, give you a physical examination and order laboratory tests. Intravenous tolerance testing or euglycemic insulin clamping are lab tests used to diagnose and confirm insulin resistance; however, these tests are costly and are used for research in many cases. A doctor can determine the probability of insulin resistance by testing your regular glucose levels along with fasting glucose levels. While this is not a definite determination, a high-level result in a person without diabetes is abnormal and cause for concern.

Management

• Managing insulin resistance is accomplished by reducing the insulin produced in the body and increasing cell sensitivity to insulin. Lifestyle changes are a natural way to reduce the body's need for insulin. Diet changes to limit carbohydrates with high glycemic values include eliminating or reducing unrefined sugar, white bread, and corn and potato products that are not refined. Weight loss for overweight and obese patients along with an increase in exercise and activity will prompt the muscles to increase the amount of glucose taken up. Diabetes medications also may be prescribed to control insulin levels.