Insulin resistance
Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the beta cells, which are cells that are scattered throughout the pancreas . The insulin produced is released into the blood stream and travels throughout the body. Insulin is an important hormone that has many actions within the body.
- Insulin
Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body produces insulin but does not use it properly. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps the body use glucose for energy. Glucose is a form of sugar that is the body’s main source of energy.
When people are insulin resistant, their muscle, fat, and liver cells do not respond properly to insulin. As a result, their bodies need more insulin to help glucose enter cells. The pancreas tries to keep up with this increased demand for insulin by producing more. Eventually, the pancreas fails to keep up with the body’s need for insulin. Excess glucose builds up in the bloodstream, setting the stage for diabetes. Many people with insulin resistance have high levels of both glucose and insulin circulating in their blood at the same time.
Making a diagnosis of insulin resistance syndrome
An estimated one in three Americans is insulin resistant, a condition that puts them at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A physician will diagnose insulin resistance based on medical history, risk factors, and lab tests.
The following lab results suggest a diagnosis of insulin resistance syndrome:
- A fasting glucose level (link to newly created page under type 1 diagnosis; blood tests) between 110 and 125 mg/dl (6.1 and 7.1 mmol/l) or a two-hour glucose (link to newly created page under type 1 diagnosis; blood tests) postload (75 g) level of 140 to 199 mg/dl (7.8 and 11.1 mmol/l). Triglycerides of 150 mg/dl or higher.
- HDL cholesterol of < 40 (men) or < 50 (women).
- Blood pressure of 130/85 mmHg or higher.
The presence of other risk factors can also help your doctor determine if you are insulin resistant.
- Insulin resistance syndrome
Risk factors for insulin resistance
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) cites the following risk factors for insulin resistance syndrome:
- Being overweight or obese.
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle.
- Being over age 40.
- A history of glucose intolerance or gestational diabetes.
- Existing type 2, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease.
- Elevated triglycerides/low HDL-cholesterol.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome. An estimated one in ten women have PCOS.
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
The Treatment for Insulin Resistance Syndrome
Specific prescribed medications such as Glucophage (metformin), Actos (pioglitazone), and Avandia (rosiglitazone) are all approved to treat the insulin resistance that occurs with type 2 diabetes. These drugs make your body more sensitive to the actions of insulin. Multiple drugs, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs or high blood pressure drugs are usually necessary to treat the different conditions that are part of insulin resistance syndrome.
If you live a healthy lifestyle, you may be able to prevent insulin resistance syndrome and the associated diseases. Here are some tips to prevent insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome:
- Try walking 30 minutes a day for at least 5 days a week (exercise can be divided into 3 separate periods of 10 minutes each)
- Stay at a healthy weight
- Eat right. A healthy balanced and caloric restricted diet is recommended.