Insulin Resistance

Information

What is insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body's cells - mainly in the liver, muscles and adipose tissue - do not respond effectively to the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels. To compensate for this, the pancreas begins to produce more and more insulin, leading to hyperinsulinemia.

Causes of insulin resistance:

The development of this condition is due to a combination of genetic factors (such as defects in insulin receptors) and lifestyle:

• Frequent consumption of processed and unhealthy foods
• Excessive intake of sugar and alcohol
• Lack of physical activity
• Accumulation of visceral fat (fat around internal organs)

Symptoms:

Insulin resistance often remains unnoticed at first, but can lead to:

• Accumulation of fat in the abdominal area
• Increased blood pressure
• Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
• Fatigue, concentration problems and frequent hunger
• Menstrual cycle disorders in women

In addition, obesity worsens insulin resistance, creating a vicious cycle in which elevated insulin levels lead to even greater weight gain.

How is insulin resistance diagnosed?

The diagnosis of insulin resistance is made through a combination of laboratory tests and assessment of risk factors.

Main laboratory tests:

• Fasting glucose - measures blood sugar level after 8 hours without food
• Fasting insulin - elevated values may indicate resistance
• HOMA-IR index - calculated by the formula: (fasting insulin [µIU/mL] × fasting glucose [mmol/L]) / 22.5. Values above 2.5 - 3.0 are considered a warning sign
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) - the body's response to ingested glucose is tracked, sugar and insulin are measured at time intervals

Additional assessment:

• Waist circumference - in women above 88 cm, in men above 102 cm is considered a risk
• BMI (body mass index) - being overweight increases the likelihood
• Cholesterol and triglyceride levels - often accompanying metabolic disorders
• Symptoms and medical history - including fatigue, tendency to gain weight, high blood pressure, irregular cycle, etc.

When should you see a doctor?

Do you often feel tired, gain weight for no reason, struggle with high blood pressure or an irregular cycle? Or perhaps there are people with diabetes in your family?

These are not just everyday complaints. They can be the first signs of insulin resistance.

Take a step towards a healthier future.

Schedule a consultation with an endocrinologist at DCC VITA.