**Insulin resistance** is a very common metabolic disorder that usually develops silently. Many people can have it for years without knowing, because blood glucose can still be normal at first.
Detecting it early is important because it allows **early treatment** to begin and reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
What is insulin resistance?
**Insulin** is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows glucose to enter cells to be used as an energy source.
When insulin resistance appears, cells respond less to this hormone. To compensate, the pancreas produces increasing amounts of insulin, keeping glucose normal for a while, even though the body **is already making a significant effort**.
Signs that may suggest it
In many people it produces no clear symptoms. However, there are some signs that deserve **medical evaluation**:
- • Increased abdominal fat.
- • Difficulty losing weight.
- • Dark patches on the neck, armpits or knuckles (acanthosis nigricans).
- • Family history of type 2 diabetes.
- • Polycystic ovary syndrome.
- • Fatty liver disease.
- • High blood pressure.
- • Sedentary lifestyle and excess weight.
How is it diagnosed?
**There is no single test** that can make the diagnosis. The doctor may request different studies, including:
- • Fasting blood glucose.
- • Fasting insulin.
- • Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c).
- • HOMA-IR index.
- • Lipid profile.
Interpretation must always be done together with **clinical history** and **physical examination**.
The good news: it can improve
Insulin resistance **can be reversed** or improve significantly when addressed early.
The strategies with the strongest scientific support are:
- • Reaching a healthy weight.
- • Exercising regularly.
- • Improving diet.
- • Sleeping better.
- • Managing stress.
- • Quitting smoking.
In some cases medication may also be indicated, always as part of an **individualised treatment**.
A takeaway message
Insulin resistance **does not mean you already have diabetes**, but it is a sign that your metabolism needs attention.
The earlier it is detected, the greater the chances of improving it and **preventing future complications**.
If you have a family history of diabetes, excess weight, fatty liver disease or polycystic ovary syndrome, consult a professional for an evaluation.
Bibliographic references
- • James DE, Stöckli J, Birnbaum MJ. The Aetiology and Molecular Landscape of Insulin Resistance. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology. 2021.
- • Mechanick JI, Farkouh ME, Newman JD, Garvey WT. Cardiometabolic-Based Chronic Disease, Adiposity and Dysglycemia Drivers. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2020.
- • Echouffo-Tcheugui JB, Perreault L, Ji L, Dagogo-Jack S. Diagnosis and Management of Prediabetes. JAMA. 2023.
- • American Diabetes Association. Standards of Care in Diabetes – Prevention or Delay of Diabetes. 2026.
- • Chatterjee S, Khunti K, Davies MJ. Type 2 Diabetes. The Lancet. 2017.