Insulin Resistance: Early Signs and Most Important Treatment Methods

Initially, it was believed that insulin deficiency was the main cause of diabetes, but in 1949 the effectiveness of insulin for some patients was questioned. In 1960, research showed that diabetic patients diagnosed late may not suffer from insulin deficiency; in fact, their insulin levels may sometimes be higher than those of healthy individuals. It has been proven that the tissues of older diabetic patients do not respond to insulin as well as healthy tissues.

Insulin Resistance:

Insulin resistance is a condition in which there is a less than normal biological response at a given level of insulin. Beta cells in the pancreas produce insulin, which travels to the blood and then to the body's tissues. The effectiveness of insulin depends on receptors located on the cell surface, and any defect in the function of these receptors can cause insulin resistance.

Symptoms of insulin resistance include:

- Large waist circumference.

- High blood pressure.

- High levels of glucose and triglycerides.

- Low levels of good cholesterol.

- Dark skin patches.

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Causes and Risk Factors:

Causes:

A high-calorie and carbohydrate diet, steroid use, certain diseases, high insulin levels, excess fat in the liver.

Risk factors:

Overweight, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, sleep problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, age, and some medications.

Complications:

- Severe metabolic problems, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, stroke, kidney and eye diseases, cancer, Alzheimer's disease.

Diagnosis of Insulin Resistance:

- Physical examination, blood tests such as fasting plasma glucose test, oral glucose tolerance test, and A1C test.

Treatment of Insulin Resistance:

- Thiazolidinediones: Improves insulin sensitivity but may increase weight.

- Biguanide: Improves insulin resistance and reduces glucose production from the liver without weight gain.

Prevention:

1. Exercise: 30 minutes of moderate activity daily.

2. Maintain a healthy weight: Consult a specialist to achieve weight goals.

3. Follow a healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

4. Quit smoking: Reduces insulin resistance over time.

Sustainable lifestyle changes are the most effective way to reverse insulin resistance and prevent type 2 diabetes.

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