|  | Conditions Treatments | Diabetes

What Is an Insulin Resistance Syndrome?

Insulin resistance syndrome is a metabolic disorder that may be a precursor to other serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, dyslipidemia and hypertension. According to the the American Academy of Family Physicians, early identification and treatment of insulin resistance syndrome can help to prevent future life-threatening conditions.

  1. History of Insulin Resistance Syndrome

    • In 1988, G. M. Reaven first suggested that resistance to insulin is at the root of many health conditions in his lecture titled "Role of insulin resistance in human disease." According to the AAFP, 70 to 80 million people in America have insulin resistance syndrome.

    Insulin Resistance

    • Insulin is a substance in the body that causes tissues in the body to uptake glucose. When a person develops a resistance to insulin, the body tissues are not able to react appropriately to the insulin. In turn, the pancreas begins to make more insulin. The body may be able to compensate for the resistance for many years by producing more and more insulin, but eventually, the condition is likely to develop into type 2 diabetes.

    Risk Factors

    • Individuals who have close relatives with diabetes are more likely to have insulin resistance syndrome. Also, those who have experienced gestational diabetes or who have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome are also at higher risk of having insulin resistance syndrome. In addition, obese individuals are at a higher risk as well. Those individuals with abdominal fat are the most likely to have insulin resistance syndrome.

    Diagnosis

    • Insulin resistance syndrome is difficult to diagnose and it is often diagnosed based on risk factors and a doctor's suspicion of the syndrome. However, a test called a euglycemic insulin clamp technique may be used to determine the body's resistance to insulin. This test is rather complicated and unlikely to be conducted on the average patient.

    Treatment

    • Insulin resistance syndrome is first treated with lifestyle changes which include eating a healthy diet with lots of fiber and getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Exercise is beneficial because it can decrease the body's resistance to insulin. Also, those individuals who are obese should aim to lose weight. Even as little as a 15 percent weight loss can help to decrease insulin resistance. At this time, medication is not recommended as a treatment for insulin resistance.

Diabetes - Related Articles