What else is important about insulin resistance?
Insulin resistance is a warning signal that the body is having problems processing glucose, and it is characteristic of pre-diabetes. Patients with early or moderate insulin resistance often don’t have any symptoms, but if their condition is ignored, it puts them at a much greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and/or heart disease several years down the road. (These four conditions make up what is called the Metabolic Syndrome.). Risk factors for insulin resistance include: • Obesity, especially abdominal obesity • Family history of diabetes or insulin resistance • Gestational diabetes • Polycystic ovary syndromeTreatment of insulin resistance involves changes in diet and lifestyle. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends losing excess weight, getting regular amounts of moderate intensity physical activity, and increasing dietary fiber to lower blood insulin levels and increase the body’s sensitivity to it.
