Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, regulates the body's use of glucose for energy. Normally the pancreas will only produce just enough insulin to match one's food consumption; however, the body sometimes develops problems reacting to insulin and blood sugar levels rise above normal. When this occurs, insulin cannot be used effectively and the body has to produce more and more insulin to compensate. This condition is known as insulin resistance.
Insulin Resistance Risk Factors
There are many risk factors that contribute to insulin resistance. According to the American Diabetes Association, adults and children who have the following are at an increased risk of developing insulin resistance:
- Excess weight or obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- A woman with a waist measurement over 35 inches or a man with a waist measurement over 40 inches
- Have a parent or siblings with type-2 diabetes
- Have a history of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Adults over age 45
- A blood pressure over 140/90 mmHg
- High levels of triglycerides in the blood (250 mg/dl or higher)
Other risk factors include pre-diabetes, gestational diabetes during pregnancy, and carrying more fat around the waist than the hips (apple shape). Also, certain ethnic groups are at a greater risk of developing insulin resistance.
Health Effects of Insulin Resistance
Having insulin resistance can lead to the following conditions:
Type 2 diabetes. Those who have insulin resistance may still have normal blood sugars, but oftentimes blood sugar levels are high after eating a meal. Once the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to combat insulin resistance, blood sugar levels stay elevated and diabetes is usually diagnosed.
Heart disease. Those who have insulin resistance have an increased risk of developing heart disease because hardening of the arteries commonly occurs. Those with insulin resistance are also have a greater chance of experiencing blood clots.
Impaired nerve functioning. Studies show that the brain itself can become insulin resistant. When the brain becomes insulin resistant, this impairs nerve function which leads to buildup of toxic deposits and increases the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
Diagnosing Insulin Resistance
Currently there is no commonly used test to diagnose insulin resistance, and oftentimes, those with insulin resistance show no symptoms. Usually a physician will evaluate risk factors and if one is likely to be insulin resistant, will test fasting blood glucose levels to determine if pre-diabetes or diabetes is present.
To learn one way to reduce the risk of developing insulin resistance, see: How to Prevent Insulin Resistance.
References:
Barnett, R., Pelkman, C., and Webb, D. Magic Foods: Simple Changes You Can Make to Supercharge Your Energy, Lose Weight and Live Longer. NY: Reader's Digest, 2007.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (September 11, 2008). Diabetes Guide. Retrieved January 9, 2009 from WebMd.com
Jennifer Murray - Jennifer Murray is a freelance writer specializing in nutrition, weight loss and fitness.
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