Recognizing Indications and Manifestations of Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is a condition where the cells of the body reduce their sensitivity or responsiveness to insulin. Insulin, which is a hormone produced by the pancreas, plays an integral role in controlling blood sugar levels by aiding cells in absorbing glucose (sugar) from ingested food for energy conversion.

This resistance to insulin often develops due to consistently high blood sugar levels. Many individuals are unaware that they have insulin resistance until they undergo a blood test. This is because the symptoms are subtle in the initial stages, developing gradually. As the insulin resistance worsens, one may begin experiencing symptoms such as weight gain, frequent urination, and fatigue, among others. If not treated appropriately, insulin resistance can progress to type 2 diabetes.

The medical term for high blood sugar is hyperglycemia. It implies elevated levels of glucose in the blood, and it's often one of the early indicators of insulin resistance. If a healthcare provider suspects you have high blood sugar or that you may be risk-prone to diabetes, they might suggest a hemoglobin A1C test. This test checks for raised blood sugar levels and determines your average blood sugar levels over the past three months.

A1C result of less than 5.7% is deemed normal. However, a result between 5.7% and 6.4% suggests you are insulin-resistant and have prediabetes—indicating higher than normal blood sugar levels but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Whereas an A1C result of 6.5% or more implies a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Insulin is vital in the body's regulation of fat and cholesterol usage and storage. A straightforward blood test can unveil high cholesterol levels. Insulin resistance may be suspected if particular blood test results are observed.

When your body develops resistance to insulin, the efficient usage of sugar as energy becomes tricky, leading to higher glucose levels in your blood. In response, your body produces extra insulin in an attempt to compensate for elevated blood sugar levels. This excess insulin can prompt your body to store more fat, particularly around the belly. This abdominal weight gain is a common symptom of insulin resistance.

Fatigue is a characteristic symptom of insulin resistance, prediabetes, and diabetes. It occurs as insulin resistance impairs your cells' capacity to absorb glucose for energy, leading to a reduction in energy levels and increased fatigue. The disorder can also cause varying changes in your blood sugar levels, contributing to increased tiredness.

Another symptom of insulin resistance is frequent urination, medically termed polyuria. It's your body's method of expelling excess glucose. If you find yourself using the restroom more than usual, it could suggest insulin resistance or prediabetes.

High glucose levels put strain on the kidneys as they attempt to eliminate extra glucose from your blood. Ordinarily, glucose gets routed out of your bloodstream, into your kidneys, which then reabsorb the sugar. However, when your blood glucose is continuously high, your kidneys cannot absorb all the excess sugar, forcing your body to remove the sugar via your urine, using water from your tissue—increasing urine production.

The excess sugar in your bloodstream forces you to urinate more often, causing your body to lose more fluids in the process. Consequently, frequent urination can lead to dehydration as your body attempts to make up for the fluid loss, causing increased thirst throughout the day.

With insulin resistance or prediabetes, certain areas of your skin, like the armpits or the back and sides of your neck, may darken. This condition is known as acanthosis nigricans. Along with the darker skin, these areas can develop small skin growths referred to as skin tags.

Foot tingling is also a symptom of insulin resistance. High blood sugar levels, even without diabetes, can lead to neuropathy—a condition that causes nerve damage. Often starting in the feet, neuropathy can cause sensations such as tingling, numbness, or a 'pins-and-needles' feeling.

Insulin resistance is frequently undetectable in children as it does not show obvious symptoms. However, in certain cases, children may develop patches of thickened, darkened, or velvety skin, normally in natural body creases like the neck and armpits.

A child with insulin resistance is also at an elevated risk of exhibiting symptoms related to other conditions, including:

Staying active and eating nutritious meals is crucial in managing insulin resistance in children.

If you suspect you might have insulin resistance or are experiencing symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or unexplained weight gain, it's advisable to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. If you have a family history of diabetes or other related conditions, it might be a good idea to discuss this with your provider as well.

During your appointment, your provider can perform tests to determine if you have insulin resistance and offer guidance on how to manage the condition through lifestyle changes or medications if necessary.

Insulin resistance often goes unnoticed until symptoms manifest. But as your condition progresses, you might notice symptoms like high blood sugar, fatigue, and unexplained weight changes. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider and get tested. Without proper treatment, insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes and cause other complications.