In a normal state, glucose metabolism and blood sugar are highly controlled. Insulin is a pancreatic hormone that helps to maintain normal blood glucose levels by aiding the transportation of glucose from the bloodstream to cells. Consider insulin as a key that is able to open a lock on the cell’s surface in order for the glucose to enter. When we eat and our blood sugar rises, it is a signal for the pancreas to start secreting insulin to ensure that glucose is efficiently transported from the bloodstream into cells. 

Insulin resistance is a condition where cells of the body don’t respond properly to insulin. The locks on the cell’s surface are damaged. It gets hard for the insulin to unlock the essential channels for the glucose to enter the cells. The energy production inside of the cells is also disturbed. Liver, muscle and fat cells are especially dependent on insulin to work properly. This is why insulin resistance affects these tissues the most. Metabolic problems in these tissues reflect to the whole body and may manifest itself through many different symptoms.

The body is able to sense that transportation of glucose from the bloodstream to cells has slowed down. It’s first response is to make the pancreas increase it’s insulin secretion. For some time the increased amount of insulin in the bloodstream will help the cells to function normally. Increased amount of keys around the cells will increase the odds that a damaged lock will open and glucose can enter. For now, blood glucose levels remain normal.

As time goes by it gets harder and harder for the insulin to unlock the glucose channels. Over time, the pancreas might also get tired and insulin production is reduced. When the body is no longer able to maintain blood glucose at a normal level, one can be diagnosed as being pre-diabetic. If things keep progressing, eventually one can develop diabetes.

It can take years or even decades for insulin resistance to develop into full blown diabetes. Therefore, if insulin resistance is caught in an early stage, chances are that one might be able to stop it from progressing into diabetes. Insulin resistance has also been associated with the development of many other serious health conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome.

If you are already diagnosed with hypertension, abnormal blood lipids such as high cholesterol, or high triglycerides, you may be at risk for developing or already suffering from insulin resistance. Being overweight, especially around the belly significantly increases the risk.

The earlier things can be turned around, the better the chances are for not developing any of the more serious health consequences!

Insulin resistance is observed to be highly prevalent among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Successfully managing PCOS involves often paying extra attention to lifestyle factors evolving around development of insulin resistance.