What is insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance is a condition where the body produces insulin but the insulin is not used efficiently and effectively. When the insulin is ineffective, there is a buildup of blood glucose instead of being absorbed and converted to energy. This leads to the pre-diabetic condition and ultimately Type 2 diabetes.

Most people live with insulin resistance for years until it finally gets diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. This is why it is important to understand and calculate your risks and take the required steps to prevent Type 2 diabetes. If you test early enough and know you have insulin resistance, you can start taking measures to stop the onset of full-blown diabetes. Simple lifestyle and diet changes are often enough to delay or prevent diabetes.

What happens during insulin resistance?

When a person develops insulin resistance, the insulin is not effective enough to absorb blood glucose from the bloodstream thereby spiking up the sugar levels. The pancreas responds to this situation by trying to produce a larger quantity of insulin. This puts intense pressure on the beta-cells which produce insulin. As long as the insulin quantity is enough to take care of blood glucose absorption, the sugar levels stay normal. However, over time the pancreas cannot keep overworking and producing excess insulin required to take care of blood glucose absorption. The body falls short of enough insulin and this leads on to pre-diabetes and ultimately Type 2 diabetes.

What causes insulin resistance?

There are no exact causes to understand why some people develop insulin resistance. Medical researchers and scientists correlate obesity, sedentary lifestyles, lack of sleep, hormones and certain medications, smoking, excessive alcohol and high-fat diet to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Family history and genetic predispositions also play a major role in a person developing diabetes. Research studies have shown that people with insulin resistance and pre-diabetes develop Type 2 diabetes within 10 years unless they take major steps to reduce weight, quit smoking and excess alcohol and take enough exercise.

Symptoms of insulin resistance

Though insulin resistance and pre-diabetes do not usually present with symptoms, there are some warning signs to watch out. People with severe insulin resistance usually develop dark patches on the elbows, knees, knuckles, armpits and around the neck. If you notice any of these signs do not hesitate to contact your physician.

Diagnosing insulin resistance

Insulin resistance is usually diagnosed with simple tests which include: • blood tests like hemoglobin A1C which measures the blood glucose level in the blood over the past 3 months • fasting and post-meal blood glucose levels • oral glucose tolerance test where you will be given a glucose drink and your blood glucose levels will be tested over the next 2 hours

Your doctor will help you interpret the test results and help you understand if you are pre-diabetic. You will also be given suggestions to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.

Interpreting your test results

How to deal with insulin resistance?

You can help your body’s insulin become more effective if you bring down your weight, get sufficient exercise and quit smoking and excess alcohol. Get a dietitian to give you a diet chart of foods that are healthy and low-glycemic (sugars). This may include a diet low in starch and sugars and high on proteins and fibers. Avoid eating out frequently and snacking on foods in high sugars and salt. Ensure that you get the mandatory 8-hours of sleep.

Understand that not everybody with insulin resistance progresses into diabetes. Staying positive is the best thing you can do if you know you are predisposed towards diabetes. Take every precautionary measure available. It is often in your hands to keep up a healthy lifestyle and avoid the menace of diabetes.