Insulin resistance is a condition where the body produces insulin but does not use it effectively. This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance is thought to be caused by a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors.
Lifestyle factors that can contribute to insulin resistance include a sedentary lifestyle, a diet high in refined carbohydrates, and excess weight. Insulin resistance can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and sleep apnea.
Insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes and other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke. Treatment for insulin resistance includes lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. In some cases, medication may also be needed.
In the early stages of insulin resistance, the pancreas produces more insulin to try to keep blood sugar at normal levels. But over time, the pancreas can’t make enough insulin to keep up, and blood sugar levels begin to rise.
There are many potential causes of insulin resistance. It often occurs in people who are overweight, have high blood pressure, or have a family history of diabetes. It can also be caused by certain medications, such as steroids or some psychiatric drugs.
Most people with insulin resistance don’t have any symptoms. But as the condition worsens, they may develop symptoms of type 2 diabetes, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue.
If you have insulin resistance, your treatment will depend on the underlying cause. If you’re overweight, for example, your doctor may recommend weight loss and exercise. If you have high blood pressure, you may need medication to lower it.
In some cases, insulin resistance can be reversed. But if it progresses to type 2 diabetes, it can’t be cured. Treatment focuses on managing blood sugar levels with diet, exercise, and medication.
Insulin resistance is a condition in which your body doesn’t use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar from your bloodstream into your cells, where it’s used for energy.
If you have insulin resistance, your body makes insulin, but your cells don’t use it as well as they should. As a result, sugar (glucose) builds up in your blood.
Insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that can cause heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and amputation of the feet or legs.
Most people with insulin resistance don’t have any symptoms. But as the condition worsens, they may develop symptoms of type 2 diabetes, such as:
Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Fatigue
Weight loss
Blurred vision
If you have insulin resistance, your treatment will depend on the underlying cause. If you’re overweight, for example, your doctor may recommend weight loss and exercise. If you have high blood pressure, you may need medication to lower it.
In some cases, insulin resistance can be reversed. But if it progresses to type 2 diabetes, it can’t be cured. Treatment focuses on managing blood sugar levels with diet, exercise, and medication.
