5 worrying conditions that occur if one has insulin resistance

Insulin resistance is a condition where the body's cells don't respond effectively to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Known as a precursor to Diabetes, insulin resistance can quickly turn into type 2 Diabetes. The condition develops without noticeable warning signs, but leads to major health complications if left untreated. Here are 5 ways insulin resistance harms the body, even if you do not have Diabetes (yet).

The initial indicator of insulin resistance manifests through repeated hunger episodes that can even occur right after consuming food. The cells experience starvation for energy, because the body fails to process glucose correctly. The body responds to this by triggering increased hunger for both sugary and high-carb foods.
Insulin-resistant individuals commonly experience unexplained weight gain which typically manifests as fat accumulation in their abdominal area. The human body develops fat deposits when it stores excess sugar. Weight gain occurs while the condition simultaneously intensifies insulin resistance, thereby producing an unfavorable pattern.

The development of type 2 diabetes begins with insulin resistance as its essential preliminary condition. The pancreas releases additional insulin as cells become less sensitive to this hormone, which maintains normal blood sugar levels. The pancreas becomes exhausted from its continuous effort to maintain blood sugar regulation, which eventually results in permanent high blood sugar levels.
The continuous presence of elevated blood sugar results in the development of prediabetes, before progressing to diabetes which causes damage to organs and blood vessels. Insulin resistance which remains untreated in its early stages, will silently develop into dangerous diabetes-related complications.

The development of insulin resistance typically produces multiple dangerous body changes that impact heart function and blood vessel health. The condition leads to elevated blood pressure, together with elevated triglycerides and decreased levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol.
The combination of these changes elevates the chance for heart disease to develop, along with arterial blockages and cardiac attack events. Insulin resistance causes inflammation and blood vessel damage, which results in the heart needing to work harder, raising the risk.

The condition can also cause skin changes. Acanthosis nigricans create dark velvety patches, which typically emerge on the neck and armpits as well as groin area. High insulin concentrations cause skin cell proliferation, which leads to the formation of these patches.
Insulin resistance in women creates an elevated risk for developing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The condition of PCOS creates irregular menstrual cycles, difficulties with reproduction and various hormone-related issues. The link between insulin resistance exists both with blood sugar regulation, and hormonal disorders.

Insulin resistance creates energy utilization problems in the body, which results in persistent weakness or exhaustion for most people. Cells receive insufficient glucose despite blood sugar being high, which results in long-term fatigue.
The kidneys produce increased urine output because they attempt to eliminate excessive glucose from the body, when blood sugar levels remain elevated. Because of this, the body experiences dehydration while simultaneously feeling always thirsty.
Insulin resistance weakens the immune system's capacity to heal wounds and fight off infections. Bacterial and fungal infections tend to affect people with this condition at higher rates.

The first signs of insulin resistance often appear without distinct symptoms, although its influence on the body creates significant health problems. Insulin resistance creates slow damage to your heart function and metabolism, while simultaneously affecting your hormonal system and energy production. The disease typically advances into type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases that decrease both life expectancy and life quality, when left without treatment.

The positive aspect of insulin resistance treatment is that people can either stop its progression or completely reverse it, by adopting exercise routines and following a balanced diet and losing weight, while learning stress management techniques.

Sources:
Wockhardt Hospitals: Insulin Resistance – Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
MaxLab: Insulin Resistance – Causes, Symptoms, Treatments
WebMD: Insulin Resistance Symptoms and Testing
Mayo Clinic: What is Insulin Resistance?
Healthline: Insulin Resistance – Symptoms and More
St. Vincent’s Health: 5 Signs of Insulin Resistance
NIH StatPearls: Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Consequences

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.