Insulin Resistance Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

by

Insulin Resistance Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Definition

Insulin resistance is a condition when the body’s cells ignore or reject signals from the insulin hormone. As a result, the body does not provide a proper response to this hormone.

Insulin is a hormone produced by beta cells in the pancreas. The function of this hormone is:

  • Insulin helps muscle, fat, and liver cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.
  • Insulin stimulates liver and muscle cells to store excess glucose. Glucose will be stored in the form of glycogen.
  • Insulin helps lower blood sugar levels by reducing the level of glucose production in the liver.

Insulin resistance will increase a person’s risk of developing pre-diabetes, which can eventually develop into type 2 diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 15 to 30 percent of people with pre-diabetes will develop diabetes within five years. Furthermore, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), half of people with high blood sugar will develop diabetes within 10 years.

Symptom

In general, insulin resistance will not give any special symptoms. But insulin resistance can show several signs, such as:

  • acanthosis nigricans (black spots on the back of the neck, elbows, knees, knuckles and armpits)
  • symptoms related to high blood sugar, such as fatigue, frequent hunger and thirst, difficulty concentrating
  • symptoms related to metabolic syndrome, eg

o High triglycerides (≥150 mg/dl)

o Low HDL (below 50 mg/dl for women and 40 mg/dl for men)

o high blood pressure (over 130/85 mmHg)

Reason

The exact cause of insulin resistance is not known. This condition is associated with the condition of a person who has high amounts of insulin circulating in the body, has excess fat storage in the liver and pancreas, and experiences high or prolonged inflammation.

Several factors that contribute to the emergence of this condition have been identified. These factors include:

  • overweight

Obesity, especially excess fat in the area around the waist is thought to be associated with insulin resistance. A man with a waist measurement of more than 40 inches (101.6 cm) and a woman with a waist of more than 35 inches (88.9 cm) is more at risk of developing insulin resistance.

  • physically inactive/sedentary lifestyle

Muscles that are active and frequently used will use the glucose stored in the muscles as an energy source. Furthermore, the muscles will take glucose circulating in the blood to replace the glucose that has been used. Thus blood sugar levels are maintained stable.

Studies prove that after exercising, muscles become more sensitive to insulin and will lower blood sugar levels. This means exercise helps muscles store more glucose without the help of insulin.

  • not getting enough sleep or sleep is not quality

Studies find that sleep problems, especially sleep apnea, increase the risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. People who work the night shift are also at higher risk for this condition.

  • the use of certain drugs (eg hormones, steroids, etc.) in high doses for a long time.
  • chronic stress (both physical and mental), have certain diseases (eg Cushing’s disease, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / PCOS), have a smoking habit.

Diagnosis

There is no specific test to determine insulin resistance. Generally, the examinations carried out are related to the diagnosis of pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Examinations carried out include checking blood sugar;

  • HBA1C (6.4 diabetes)
  • fasting blood sugar (126 mg/dl diabetes)
  • blood sugar 2 hours postprandial / 2JPP (200 mg/dl diabetes)

Treatment

Because there are no specific tests and symptoms that describe insulin resistance, people often live for years with this condition without knowing it. Lifestyle changes are an important key to changing conditions of insulin resistance.

This can also prevent this condition from developing into diabetes.

Prevention

There are several things that can be done to prevent insulin resistance, including:

  • lose excess weight
  • Adopt an active lifestyle and exercise regularly
  • Avoid eating patterns high in calories and fat
  • take vitamin D. Vitamin D is associated with the body’s ability to better control blood sugar. Daily consumption of vitamin D for people aged 1–70 years is 600 IU, and those aged over 71 should consume 800 IU of vitamin D. Also increase exposure to morning sunlight which is a rich source of vitamin D.
  • quit smoking
  • taking medication (for high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and so on) if the doctor has recommended it
  • make sure you get enough and quality sleep

Leave a Comment