What is Insulin Resistance

Insulin is a hormone that helps to control blood sugar (glucose) levels in the body. It is made in the pancreas. Insulin allows glucose to enter cells in the body.

Insulin sensitivity refers to how the body responds to insulin. Insulin resistance occurs when cells in the body do not respond properly to insulin made by the pancreas and are not able to absorb glucose from the bloodstream.

Insulin resistance results in high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) and can lead to problems, including:

• Prediabetes.
• Type 2 diabetes (type 2 diabetes mellitus).
• Heart disease.
• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Stroke.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

What are the causes?

The exact cause of insulin resistance is not known.

What increases the risk?

The following factors may make you more likely to develop insulin resistance:

• Being overweight or obese, especially if a lot of your weight is in your waist area.
• Having an inactive (sedentary) lifestyle.
• Using steroids.
• Being older than age 45.
• Having sleep apnea.
• Using tobacco products.

What are the signs or symptoms?

This condition usually does not cause symptoms.

How is this diagnosed?

There is no test to diagnose insulin resistance. However, your health care provider may diagnose insulin resistance based on:

• Your blood glucose levels.
• Your cholesterol levels.
• A measurement of the distance around your waist (circumference). A waist circumference of more than 35 inches (88.9 cm) for women and more than 40 inches (101.6 cm) for men may be a sign of insulin resistance.
• Your risk factors.
• A physical exam.
• Your medical history.

How is this treated?

Insulin resistance is treated with nutrition and lifestyle changes. These changes may include:

• Eating a healthy balance of nutritious foods.
• Getting more physical activity.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Stopping the use of any tobacco products.

Your health care provider will work with you to change your nutrition and lifestyle as needed. In some cases, treatment may also include medicine to improve your insulin sensitivity.

Follow these instructions at home:

Activity

• Be physically active. Do moderate-intensity physical activity for 30 minutes or more on 5 or more days of the week, or as much as told by your health care provider. This could be brisk walking, biking, or water aerobics.
• Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you. A mix of physical activities may be best, such as walking, swimming, cycling, and strength training.

Eating and drinking

• Follow a healthy meal plan. This includes eating lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and healthy fats.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
• Make an appointment to see a diet and nutrition specialist (registered dietitian) to help you create a healthy eating plan.

General instructions

• Check your blood glucose levels as told by your health care provider.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Lose weight as told by your health care provider.
  • Losing 5–7% of your body weight can reverse insulin resistance.
  • Your health care provider can determine how much weight loss is best for you and can help you lose weight safely.
• Do not use any tobacco products, such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have trouble losing weight or maintaining your goal weight.
• You gain weight.
• You have trouble following your prescribed meal plan.
• You have trouble exercising more.

Summary

• Insulin resistance occurs when cells in the body do not respond properly to insulin made by the pancreas and are not able to absorb blood sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream.
• Your health care provider will work with you to change your nutrition and lifestyle as needed. Treatment may also include medicine to improve your insulin sensitivity.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.