Insulin Resistance

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KEY POINTS

• Insulin resistance means the body makes enough insulin, but the cells are not able to use it properly. Over time, if insulin resistance is not treated and gets worse, it may lead to diabetes.
• Treatment includes lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and a healthy diet to help lower blood glucose (sugar) levels.

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What is insulin resistance?

Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas, which is an organ in your upper belly. Your body breaks down some of the foods you eat into glucose (sugar). Then, it uses insulin to help move glucose from your blood into your cells for energy.

Insulin resistance means your body makes enough insulin, but the cells are not able to use it properly. Glucose can’t get into your cells, and stays in the blood. This causes higher than normal levels of blood glucose and is not good for your health. Over time, if insulin resistance is not treated and gets worse, it may lead to diabetes. It may also increase your risk for heart disease.

What is the cause?

The exact cause of insulin resistance is not known. You may have an increased risk if you:

• Are overweight, especially if you have extra weight around your belly
• Do not get enough physical activity
• Have family members with insulin resistance or diabetes
• Are African American, Hispanic, Asian, American Indian, or Pacific Islander
• Have had an abnormal fasting blood glucose test
• Take certain medicines, such as steroids
• Are over age 45
• Had gestational diabetes when you were pregnant, or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
• Have certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, polycystic ovarian syndrome, fatty liver, or sleep apnea
• Smoke cigarettes

What are the symptoms?

Most of the time, there are no symptoms. In some cases, insulin resistance may cause dark patches on the skin of the back of the neck, armpits, elbows, knuckles, or knees.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine you. You will have blood tests.

How is it treated?

Treatment includes lifestyle changes to help lower blood glucose levels:

• Weight loss. If you are overweight, your healthcare provider may recommend that you lose weight. Even a small amount of weight loss can help.
• Increased physical activity. Increased activity and exercise improves blood flow, uses up more of the glucose in your blood, and helps your body use insulin better.
• Changes to your diet. Your healthcare provider will recommend you eat less food such as white bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, soda, juices, and foods that contain sugar. Sugary and starchy foods raise blood glucose levels, and can make insulin resistance worse.

How can I take care of myself and prevent insulin resistance?

Follow the full course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider. In addition:

• Get regular exercise. A healthy goal for most adults is to exercise for 2 hours and 30 minutes or more each week. You don't need to do 30 minutes of activity all at once. You can do shorter periods, at least 10 minutes each time. Ask your healthcare provider for the best type of activity or exercise for you.
• Eat a healthy diet. This includes lean meat, beans, whole grains, non-starchy vegetables, fruit, and low-fat dairy products, and lots of water.
• Try to keep a healthy weight. If you are overweight, lose weight.
• Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
• If you want to drink alcohol, ask your healthcare provider how much is safe for you to drink.
• If you smoke, try to quit. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to quit smoking.
• Ask your provider:
  • How and when you will get your test results
  • If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
  • How to take care of yourself at home
  • What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.