Insulin resistance means that the body can't use insulin as it should. Insulin lets sugar (glucose) enter the body's cells, where it is used for energy. It also helps muscles, fat, and liver cells store sugar to be released when needed. If the body tissues don't respond to insulin right, the blood sugar level rises.
Insulin resistance mainly is caused by obesity. But other medical conditions, such as acromegaly and Cushing's syndrome, also can cause it. It can run in families too.
Insulin resistance is a condition in which body cells do not fully respond to the action of insulin, a hormone that controls the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. As a result, blood sugar levels become abnormally high.
Over time, insulin resistance can result in consistently high blood sugar levels, which increases a person's risk for type 2 diabetes. Pregnant women who are insulin resistant have an increased risk for gestational diabetes.
Usually, insulin resistance develops in people who are overweight and not physically active. These characteristics are often associated with having high cholesterol and high blood pressure. People who are insulin resistant have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, especially if other risk factors, such as being a smoker or having high cholesterol levels, are present.
Insulin resistance refers to the inability of the body tissues to respond properly to insulin. Insulin lets sugar (glucose) enter the body's cells, where it is used for energy. Insulin also helps muscles, fat, and liver cells store sugar to be released when it is needed. If the body tissues do not respond properly to insulin, the blood sugar level rises.
Insulin resistance causes the pancreas to release too much insulin (hyperinsulinemia). It may also cause the liver to release too much sugar into the blood.
Several things may increase insulin resistance, including:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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