By Dr. Sk Sabir Rahaman, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology), DFM(Family Medicine), FCFM, CCEBDM, CCLSD
🩺 What is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin resistance happens when your body’s cells don’t respond effectively to insulin, the hormone that helps move sugar (glucose) from your blood into your cells for energy.
When this occurs, blood sugar levels rise, which can lead to prediabetes and eventually type 2 diabetes if untreated.
🔍 Causes of Insulin Resistance
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🧬 Genetics – Family history increases risk
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⚖️ Obesity – Excess belly fat is strongly linked to resistance
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🪑 Inactivity – Sedentary lifestyle reduces insulin sensitivity
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🍩 Unhealthy Diet – High sugar and processed food intake worsens the problem
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💊 Medications – Some steroids and drugs can impair insulin action
📌 Symptoms
Insulin resistance often develops silently, but when symptoms appear, they may include:
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💧 Increased thirst and frequent urination
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😴 Fatigue
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👀 Blurred vision
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🩹 Slow-healing wounds
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🖤 Acanthosis nigricans – dark, velvety skin patches (often on neck, armpits)
🧪 Diagnosis
Since symptoms are subtle, lab tests are key:
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Fasting insulin and glucose
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HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment)
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OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test)
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HbA1c for long-term blood sugar trends
🛠 Management Strategies
1️⃣ Lifestyle Changes (First-line approach)
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Lose weight (even 5–10% can improve sensitivity)
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Adopt a balanced diet (high in fiber, low in refined carbs)
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Exercise regularly — especially strength training and aerobic activity
2️⃣ Medications (When lifestyle changes aren’t enough)
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Metformin – Improves insulin sensitivity
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GLP-1 receptor agonists – Support weight loss & glucose control
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SGLT2 inhibitors – Reduce blood sugar via urine excretion
💡 Key Takeaway
Early detection and lifestyle intervention can reverse or slow progression of insulin resistance.
If you have risk factors, talk to your healthcare provider for a personalized prevention plan.
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