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Insulin Resistance – What You Should Know
Insulin resistance is one of the earliest steps on the path toward diabetes. It is particularly common among individuals whose parents or grandparents had type 2 diabetes. Family predisposition is hereditary, and children or grandchildren of diabetic parents are more likely to develop carbohydrate metabolism disorders. Genetic predisposition does not necessarily mean that insulin resistance will develop, but:
- stress,
- a sedentary lifestyle,
- irregular eating habits
clearly contribute to its development.
One of the greatest health challenges of our time is obesity, which in itself is a major risk factor for insulin resistance.
DIAGNOSIS
Among other methods, the HOMA index is used to assess insulin resistance. The HOMA index is a calculated value based on fasting blood glucose and insulin levels.
If the result exceeds 2, insulin resistance may be suspected; above 4, insulin resistance can be diagnosed.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of insulin resistance can be very diverse. The following signs may indicate its presence:
- nervousness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating after consuming sugary or large meals
- frequent nighttime awakenings, poor sleep quality
- excessive sweating during sleep
- irritability, sweating, trembling, and tension when breakfast is delayed or a meal is skipped
- irregular menstruation or absence of menstruation
- difficulty conceiving, infertility
- unsuccessful dieting attempts
- weight gain despite unchanged lifestyle
- frequent sugar cravings
- drop in blood sugar during physical activity
- ovarian cysts (PCO)
These symptoms usually do not appear all at once, and in some cases the condition may be completely asymptomatic and detected only through laboratory testing.
COMPLICATIONS
Insulin resistance is closely linked to cardiovascular diseases, which are among the leading causes of death. Research suggests that people with insulin resistance have a 93% higher risk of developing heart disease.
It is also associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Alzheimer’s disease, and certain cancers.
TREATMENT
Possible ways to improve insulin sensitivity and prevent or delay type 2 diabetes include:
- increased physical activity
- reducing added sugar intake
- increasing intake of unsaturated fatty acids (e.g., extra virgin olive oil, flaxseed oil)
- applying stress-reduction techniques
- blood donation, which may improve insulin sensitivity in men and postmenopausal women
The primary step in treating insulin resistance is establishing a personalized lifestyle therapy plan, including a carbohydrate-controlled diet and regular physical activity incorporating both cardio and strength training. If these measures are insufficient, medication may be added to the therapy, adapted to diet and exercise.
If you are curious about your insulin resistance level, book an evaluation at our clinic and request fasting blood glucose and insulin testing with HOMA index calculation.
