Insulin resistance results when a person’s body cannot properly use insulin. This condition has been linked with metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes, and diabetes as well as many other related health conditions. Any age can be affected by insulin resistance. According to the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Care February 12, 2009 article by Patrick M. Catalano et al entitled "Fetuses of Obese Mothers Develop Insulin Resistance In Utero" even unborn babies of obese women are more likely to be insulin resistant in utero.
What Happens When Someone Has Insulin Resistance?
Insulin is a hormone naturally produced by the pancreas. The digestive system can convert foods and drinks into glucose, which is also called blood sugar. This sugar travels in the bloodstream until enough insulin is produced to pull this blood glucose into the cells where it can provide energy for the body.
With insulin resistance, the body produces insulin, but many of the body’s cells, such as those in the liver, muscles, and fat, do not respond to the demand for insulin properly. More insulin is needed as blood sugar levels rise. Eventually, the pancreas simply cannot produce enough insulin to keep up with the higher blood glucose levels, which results in higher than normal levels of blood glucose and insulin together.
Higher than normal glucose levels may result in a diagnosis of pre-diabetes or diabetes. In 2007, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimated that approximately 25% of American adults 20-years-old and over had pre-diabetes, which is also known as impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance.
What are the Symptoms of Insulin Resistance?
Unfortunately, insulin resistance and pre-diabetes typically have no symptoms. Many people have these conditions for years and do not realize it. People who have pre-diabetes are likely to develop type 2 diabetes within ten years unless lifestyle changes are made and consistently kept.
According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) October 2008 article entitled “Insulin Resistance and Pre-diabetes,” a few people who have insulin resistance may develop dark patches or circles on the skin, called acanthosis nigricans (see photo below). Some of the more common areas that these darkened areas may appear include the:
- Neck
- Armpits
- Elbows
- Knuckles
- Knees
What are the Risks of Insulin Resistance?
According to the above NDIC article, risks for insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and diabetes are increased by many lifestyle habits and conditions such as having:
- Excessive weight, particularly around the waist
- Increased Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High blood pressure or hypertension
- A HDL (good) cholesterol level less than 35 mg/dL
- A triglyceride levels higher than 250 mg/dL
- A history of cardiovascular disease
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- A history of gestational diabetes
- Giving birth to a baby that weighs more than 9 pounds or a history of gestational diabetes
Additional risks for insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and diabetes from the above article include:
- Age 45 and older
- Having a family history of diabetes, particularly a parent or sibling
- Having certain genes associated with insulin resistance
Certain ethnic backgrounds tend to experience a higher risk for insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and diabetes, including:
- African Americans
- Alaska Natives
- American Indians
- Asian Americans
- Hispanics/Latinos
- Pacific Islanders
Can Insulin Resistance be Treated or Reversed?
Those who have insulin resistance may be at increased risk for diabetes, but the good news is that those with insulin resistance may be able to avoid developing diabetes with lifestyle changes, such as:
- Adopting a regular physical exercise program
- Choosing a healthy diet
- Losing weight if overweight (typically 5 to 7%) and maintaining a healthier weight
Those who are at risk for diabetes should have blood glucose levels checked at intervals recommended by his or her healthcare professional. People who are lower risk for diabetes may also benefit from having blood glucose levels checked at regular intervals.
Insulin Resistance Facts and Hope for the Future
Insulin resistance causes the body to be unable to properly use insulin with resulting higher than normal blood sugar and insulin levels. Because this condition does not typically have symptoms, a healthcare professional may recommend blood glucose testing. Although many people are likely to have insulin resistance and may develop diabetes, preventive measures, such as a healthy diet and active lifestyle may reverse this early warning sign and can help protect people from many other problems associated with diabetes.
Readers may also be interested in reading a series of articles entitled “Diabetes Information That Could Save a Life…Even if You Don’t Have Diabetes” that covers a wealth of information related to diabetes and metabolic syndrome, including fast facts, barriers to effective treatment, link between Agent Orange and diabetes, and prevention of diabetes complications.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
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