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Insulation Resistance Facts

Whenever you eat starches and carbohydrates of any kind, your body converts it to simple sugar, or glucose. Insulin is the hormone responsible for turning glucose into energy. However, sometimes insulin is not utilized properly by the body, resulting in issues related to insulin resistance.

  1. Identification

    • Insulin resistance occurs when the body uses insulin improperly. The body then produces more insulin to aid glucose in getting to the right cells, resulting in a buildup of both insulin and glucose in the bloodstream. This is the precursor to diabetes.

    Causes

    • Insulin resistance is caused by a certain genetic predisposition, as well as obesity and leading a sedentary lifestyle.

    Symptoms

    • In many cases, there are no symptoms related to insulin resistance. However, some people experience dark patches of skin around their neck, elbow, knees and armpits.

    Statistics

    • According to the Diabetic Alliance, an estimated 20 to 25 percent of healthy people could be insulin resistant. However, not all people who are insulin resistant develop diabetes.

    Warning

    • Osteoporosis, a loss of bone tissue leading to more fragile bones, can develop as a result of insulin resistance. Insulin is a "master" hormone, controlling anabolic hormones in the body, some of which are responsible for bone growth.

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