What Are the Symptoms of Insulin Resistance in Children?

Insulin resistance in children occurs when the body's tissues and organs do not properly respond to insulin. The pancreas will produce more insulin to rectify the situation, resulting in abnormally high levels in the blood. Insulin resistance is not the same thing as diabetes.

• There are several factors that can lead to insulin resistance.

Causes

• The gene responsible for insulin resistance is in part inherited, says the Driscoll Children's Hospital of Texas. Obesity, improper diet and lack of exercise lead to insulin resistance.

Symptoms

• While there are no overt symptoms of insulin resistance, unexplained and excessive weight gain, increased appetite and acanthosis nigricans, (dark patches of skin) are all conditions indicating the child should receive testing for insulin resistance.

Diagnosis

• Thorough personal and family medical histories along with a fasting blood test for insulin and glucose levels determine whether the child is insulin resistant.

Treatments

• Proper diet and exercise will reverse insulin resistance. Extreme cases result in the need for prescription medication. Any symptoms of insulin resistance that are present will improve quickly.

Considerations

• Untreated insulin resistance results in diabetes, cardiovascular problems and hypertension. Girls are at risk for developing polycystic ovarian syndrome.