Insulin Resistance: What Is It?
The pancreas secretes the hormone insulin, which enables cells to take up glucose, or sugar, from the bloodstream and use it as fuel. Insulin resistance affects how well muscle, fat, and liver cells utilize insulin and how easily they can absorb glucose from the blood. To aid in the entry of glucose into the cells, the pancreas consequently produces more insulin. Hyperinsulinemia, or higher-than-normal insulin levels, and elevated blood sugar levels may result from this over time.
Insulin Resistance Factors:
Insulin resistance arises as a result of several factors, such as:
- Genetics: The risk is increased by a family history of insulins resistance or type 2 diabetes.
- Obesity: Carrying too much body fat, particularly in the abdominal area, is a major risk factor.
- Physical Inactivity: Insulin resistance and obesity are exacerbated by inactivity.
- Unhealthy Diet: Insulins resistance can be exacerbated by diets heavy in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats.
- Prolonged Stress: Prolonged stress raises cortisol levels, which may disrupt insulin function.
- Sleep Disorders: Insulin resistance is associated with both inadequate sleep quality and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Insulins resistance can be brought on by diseases like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Insulin Resistance Symptoms:
In its early stages, insulins resistance frequently exhibits no symptoms. But when the illness worsens, it could show up as:
- Fatigue: Experiencing excessive fatigue, particularly after eating.
- Hunger: An increase in appetite and a desire for sweets.
- Gained weight: Especially in the abdomen area.
- Challenges Losing Weight: Finding it difficult to shed pounds even with diet and exercise plans.
- High Blood Sugar: High blood sugar levels during a fast.
- Anthroposis Nigricans: Darkened skin patches, typically found in the groin, armpits, and neck.
- High blood pressure and cholesterol: People who are insulin resistant frequently have these conditions.
Insulin Resistance Diagnosis:
There are various ways to diagnose insulin resistance, including:
- Blood glucose levels are measured using the fasting blood test following an overnight fast.
- An average blood sugar level over the previous two to three months is provided by the hemoglobin A1c test.
- The body’s reaction to glucose over a few hours is measured by the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
- Insulin levels in the blood are measured using the fasting insulin test following a fast.
