This is the condition that develops when the body does not respond to the hormone insulin produced by the pancreas. Insulin is important for the breakdown of the glucose from the food we consume into energy that is used by the body. Insulin helps the muscle, fat and liver cells to absorb the glucose that is present in the bloodstream. Insulin also reduces the glucose production in the liver. Glucose which cannot be metabolized continues to remain in the bloodstream resulting in the high blood glucose levels. As the result, the pancreas continues to work hard to meet the high level of insulin demand to help the glucose enter the cells. Over a period of time, this insulin resistance can develop in the type 2 diabetes and prediabetes condition as the body is unable to produce the increased need for insulin.
Causes
Although the research continues to find out how the insulin resistance is developing, one of the causes of this condition is associated with obesity. Other factors that can also contribute to the insulin resistance include a diet that is rich in saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, processed food and trans-fat. In addition, physical inactivity, certain diseases, smoking, hormonal problems and steroid use can also increase the risk of developing this condition.
Symptoms
Insulin resistance does not usually present any symptoms and may take several years before the individual becomes aware of the condition. Some of the initial symptoms can include lethargy, high blood pressure, difficulty with concentrating and hunger. In some of the cases, the severe form of insulin resistance can also present signs such as dark patches of the skin particularly the back of the neck. It can also occur around the knees, knuckles, elbows and the armpits.
Diagnosis
The blood test can indicate whether prediabetes is evident by assessing the level of insulin in the blood. The finger-stick devices that are commonly used to measure the blood glucose do not provide an accurate measurement of this condition and require the blood to be tested in the laboratory. The tests that are used to detect the prediabetic condition include A1C test, fasting plasma glucose test and the oral glucose tolerance test. The A1C test evaluates the average blood glucose level over the last 3 months and is considered to be the most reliable form of diagnosis of a prediabetic condition.
Treatment
The initial treatment for insulin resistance is with changing the lifestyle by maintaining healthy a weight, consuming a healthy diet low in fat, physically being active and not smoking. Research also indicates that dietary supplements such as vitamin D can also help maintain healthy blood glucose levels in their blood. Individuals at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes may be given medication that can prevent of delay the development of type 2 diabetes.
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