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Insulin Resistance Definition

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body's cells do not respond normally to insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, an organ located just behind the stomach. Insulin transports blood glucose to all the body's cells. When muscle, fat and liver cells stop responding normally to insulin, blood glucose levels remain high. The pancreas begins making more insulin to compensate, but it is as if the cells are deaf to the call of insulin; they just don't respond to it. If left untreated, Type 2 or adult-onset diabetes can result. Fortunately, changes to diet, increasing exercise and losing weight often stop or reverse insulin resistance.

  1. Causes

    • Doctors aren't sure what causes insulin resistance, but they believe several factors cause this condition. Genetic predisposition, being overweight, eating a poor diet high in sugar and fat and leading a sedentary life all seem to accompany insulin resistance.

    Features

    • Doctors diagnose insulin resistance after reviewing laboratory results. Features of insulin resistance include high fasting blood glucose levels, high blood pressure and high triglycerides. If the patient is also overweight or has a family history of adult-onset (Type 2) diabetes, the doctor may consider these factors too when making a diagnosis.

    Time Frame

    • Insulin resistance generally takes many years to develop. Once it does develop, however, it can progress rapidly to diabetes, a very serious medical condition.

    Prevention/Solution

    • While there's little that can be done about one's genetic makeup, much can be done to prevent and reverse insulin resistance. Eating a balanced diet low in sugar and processed food, getting moderate exercise and keeping weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) levels within a healthy/normal range may halt or reverse insulin resistance.

    Expert Insight

    • According to the American Diabetes Association, 57 million people have pre-diabetic conditions. Above-normal blood glucose levels, one symptom of pre-diabetes, is a warning sign that diabetes may be developing. By taking steps to reduce weight, improve diet, and increase exercise, individuals may be able to prevent or slow down the development of diabetes.

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