7 Early Signs Of Insulin Resistance

What Is Insulin Resistance?

‍Insulin resistance (IR) is a topic of interest in medicine right now, and for a good reason. Insulin resistance currently affects 1 in 3 Americans and is associated with prediabetes and may eventually lead to type 2 diabetes if not managed through nutrition and lifestyle changes.

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How Does Insulin Resistance Relate to Diabetes?

Insulin, a hormone, acts as a messenger that instructs the liver to store some glucose rather than releasing it into the bloodstream. In a healthy person, insulin helps the body maintain a good balance of energy by not allowing blood glucose to spike for too long.

Once a person becomes insulin resistant, the pancreas has to work harder to release enough insulin to help manage blood sugar levels. Over time, the pancreas’ ability to release insulin may decrease.

Overview of Insulin Resistance:

• Sugar enters the bloodstream.
• The pancreas pumps out insulin to help balance blood sugar for healthy energy levels.
• Over time, regulation of blood sugar may not respond well to insulin (i.e., insulin resistance).
• The pancreas has to keep making more insulin to help keep blood sugar balanced.
• Eventually, the pancreas may not keep up, and blood sugar can continue to rise.

Risk Factors of Insulin Resistance

Scientists and researchers aren't quite sure what causes insulin resistance, but they are constantly studying this condition for more clues. Below are some factors researchers have associated with Insulin Resistance:

*Note: You do not have to be overweight to have insulin resistance, but obesity and higher amounts of belly fat have been shown to be associated with Insulin Resistance.

Other Factors Associated with Insulin Resistance

• Diet high in refined carbohydrates
• Gestational diabetes
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• A family history of diabetes
• Smoking
• Ethnicity (African, Latino, or Native American are higher risk groups)
• 45 Years of age and older
• Sleep disorders

Early Signs of Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance and pre-diabetes may be present long before diabetes is diagnosed. It is not unusual for people to feel the need to eat every few hours to avoid feeling low on energy. This inability to go more extended periods without eating can be a sign of poor blood sugar control and should not be dismissed. Other possible signs are:

Early Signs

• Feeling shaky or lightheaded
• Sweet cravings
• Headaches
• Irritability if meals are delayed
• Mood swings
• Brain fog
• Fatigue or energy fluctuations

Because some of these factors may be avoidable, health authorities are focusing on lifestyle measures that can help support a healthy lifestyle.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that all overweight people and those over 45 years old consider testing for diabetes.

You can learn more about a Functional Medicine Approach to testing for Insulin Resistance here.