Written by Heather Scott, FNP-C, IFMCP
Published
What is insulin resistance?
It means the body's cells respond less well to insulin, so the pancreas makes more of it to keep blood sugar in range. For a time, glucose stays normal while insulin runs high.
Why can normal labs miss it?
Fasting glucose and A1C measure the sugar in your blood, not how hard your body is working to hold it steady. Prediabetes is defined as an A1C of 5.7 to 6.4 percent or a fasting glucose of 100 to 125 mg/dL, and the CDC estimates more than 115 million U.S. adults have it.
What are the common signs?
A larger waistline, strong carbohydrate cravings, fatigue after meals, darkened patches of skin on the neck or underarms, high triglycerides with low HDL, fatty liver, and PCOS are all linked to it. None of these proves insulin resistance on its own.
How is it evaluated?
Waist size, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL, A1C, and fasting glucose are reviewed together, and some providers add fasting insulin. Fasting insulin has no standardized cutoff, so it is read alongside the rest of the picture, not on its own.
What helps?
Regular movement including resistance training, enough protein and fiber, steady sleep, and gradual weight loss when appropriate are well supported. Medication is sometimes added, and that is a decision to make with your provider.
The earlier insulin resistance is noticed, the more room there is to act on it.
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Read postThis article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, and it is not a substitute for care from your own clinician. Talk with a qualified health professional about your specific situation before making changes to your care.
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