Insulin is a hormone secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas, allowing cells to absorb and use glucose for energy. In people with insulin resistance, the cells are not able to use insulin well. When cells cannot utilize glucose, sugar levels build up in the blood, becoming higher than normal but not high enough to indicate diabetes.

Also Read: Importance Of Self-Monitoring Blood Sugar

What Is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance is a condition in which cells in the muscles, fat, and liver do not respond to insulin and cannot use glucose from the bloodstream for energy. To compensate, the pancreas produces more insulin, and over time, blood sugar levels spike. Insulin resistance syndrome’ is better known as Metabolic Syndrome and includes risk factors such as obesity (especially abdominal fat), high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and elevated fasting blood glucose. Type 2 diabetes is not a part of metabolic syndrome itself but is a potential outcome of untreated metabolic syndrome.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), about 50% of people with insulin resistance and prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes gradually if they do not make lifestyle modifications. People with high insulin resistance are likely to develop prediabetes, and the prevalence of prediabetes in India is 14%.

Symptoms Of Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance generally does not show any symptoms until it progresses to diabetes. According to the CDC, about 90% of people with prediabetes are unaware of it. Some signs that may indicate insulin resistance include:

  • A waist circumference over 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women
  • Blood pressure of 130/80 mm/Hg and above
  • Fasting blood glucose level above 100 mg/dl
  • Triglyceride level over 150mg/dl
  • HDL cholesterol level below 40 mg/dl in men and 50mg/dl in women
  • Skin patches –dark, velvety skin called acanthosis nigricans on the neck, groin and armpits
insulin resistance

Causes Of Insulin Resistance And Risk Factors

  • Being overweight or obese, particularly belly fat
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Unhealthy eating habits
  • Smoking
  • Gestational Diabetes
  • Medical problems like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Family history of diabetes
  • Hormonal conditions like acromegaly and Cushing’s syndrome
  • Intake of certain medications like steroids, antidepressants and HIV drugs
  • Poor sleep patterns like sleep apnea
  • Aged 45 years or more

How Does Insulin Resistance Progress to Diabetes?

Insulin is a vital hormone required for regulating glucose that circulates in the bloodstream and it makes the cells absorb glucose. It acts as a chemical messenger, prompting the liver to store glucose as glycogen rather than releasing it into the bloodstream. Insulin helps the body maintain a balanced energy level, stabilizes blood glucose, and prevents it from spiking.

In a person with insulin resistance, the pancreas works hard to release enough insulin to overcome the body’s resistance to keep the blood sugar under control. The pancreas's ability to secrete insulin declines over some time, eventually leading to the development of type 2 diabetes.

Also Read: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Diagnosis

The doctor recommends certain blood work that may help diagnose insulin resistance and prediabetes which include:

HbA1C Test – This test measures the average blood glucose level over the past 3 months.

Fasting blood glucose test- This test is done in the morning on an empty stomach, where the person has to refrain from eating or drinking for 8 hours.

Random Blood Glucose Test: This test is conducted at a random time during the day.

There is no single test for insulin resistance, but fasting insulin levels, HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance), or an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) can provide insights into insulin sensitivity. Doctors generally perform more than one of these tests to confirm a diagnosis. If the blood glucose levels consistently go above the normal range, it determines that the body is becoming resistant to insulin.

Prevention

Insulin resistance can be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates; exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes five days a week; maintaining a good sleep pattern; staying active; and managing stress. Studies have shown that losing 7% of body weight can remarkably lower the risk of developing diabetes.

(This article is reviewed by Soumita Basu Ayurvedic Pharma Expert and Kalyani Krishna Chief Content Editor)

Author Profile

M Sowmya Binu:

With over 15 years of experience and a Postgraduate Degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional. She specializes in creating personalized diet plans, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for overall wellness. Passionate about educating individuals, Sowmya develops insightful content covering food, nutrition, supplements, and health