Insulin resistance

What is insulin resistance?

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It is released into the bloodstream when blood glucose levels rise after eating, as it helps the body’s cells absorb glucose from the blood and reduces its production by the liver, thus preventing high blood sugar levels.

Insulin resistance by muscle, fat and liver cells means that they do not respond correctly to the presence of insulin and, consequently, their ability to absorb glucose from the blood decreases. To achieve the desired effect, a higher concentration of insulin will be necessary.

Prognosis of the disease

Insulin resistance usually causes the body to produce more insulin to compensate, a condition known as hyperinsulinemia. In addition, it can be a trigger for the development of type 2 diabetes, prediabetes and gestational diabetes. It can also favor the onset of diseases such as overweight, high triglycerides or high blood pressure.

Symptoms of insulin resistance

Early in its development, insulin resistance usually gives no symptoms; the latter occurs later, as a consequence of high blood glucose levels.

Symptoms include:

  • Extreme hunger or even hunger after eating.
  • Tingling in the hands and feet.
  • Tiredness.
  • Recurrent infections.
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • High blood pressure.
  • high cholesterol levels
  • Weight gain, especially in the abdomen.

Diagnosis of insulin resistance

Insulin resistance can be diagnosed by checking blood levels. However, physicians rarely perform specific tests for insulin resistance, as some of the most effective tests, such as the euglycemic clamp, are too expensive and complex to perform in the office.

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Most often, the diagnosis is made with blood tests for prediabetes, as prediabetes rarely takes over without insulin resistance.

What are the causes of insulin resistance?

The causes of insulin resistance are not completely known, but numerous risk factors have been identified that may contribute to its development:

  • Overweight or obesity.
  • Poor physical activity.
  • A high-calorie diet rich in sugar and/or carbohydrates.
  • Chronic stress.
  • Long-term use of high-dose steroids.
  • Certain other conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and Cushing’s disease.

Insulin Resistance Treatments

There are many ways to reduce the effects of insulin resistance and, in some cases, eliminate it. These methods focus on weight loss and increased physical activity.

Effective lifestyle changes may include:

  • Adopt a low-carbohydrate, low-calorie or ketogenic diet.
  • Walk 30 minutes a day.
  • Increase weekly exercise levels, such as going to the gym.
  • Undergo weight-loss surgery.

Which specialist handles this?

Doctors specializing in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism are equally capable of diagnosing and treating insulin resistance and prediabetes.