Signs of insulin resistance
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It's possible to have high blood sugar levels, be skinny, active, and not have diabetes. This situation may occur in individuals with a condition called "lean insulin resistance" or "metabolically healthy obesity."Â
Here's why:
Lean Insulin Resistance: Some people, despite being lean and physically active, can still have insulin resistance. This means their cells don't respond efficiently to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels. However, because they are physically active and maintain a healthy weight, their overall metabolic health may not be as affected as someone with obesity and insulin resistance.
Metabolically Healthy Obesity: On the other hand, some individuals may have a higher body mass index (BMI) or even be classified as obese but have relatively good metabolic health. This means they don't have insulin resistance or other metabolic disorders despite their weight.
In these cases, factors other than weight and physical activity levels may contribute to insulin sensitivity or resistance. Genetics, diet quality, distribution of body fat (visceral vs. subcutaneous fat), hormonal factors, and overall lifestyle play crucial roles in determining metabolic health.
However, consistently high blood sugar levels, even in individuals who are lean and active, can still be a concern as they may indicate a risk for developing diabetes or other metabolic issues over time. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, especially if there's a family history of diabetes or other risk factors, is important for early detection and management of any potential health issues.
Insulin resistance occurs when cells in your muscles, fat, and liver don't respond effectively to insulin, a hormone produced by your pancreas. Insulin's primary role is to help regulate your blood sugar (glucose) levels by allowing glucose to enter cells for energy. When cells become resistant to insulin, glucose builds up in your bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of insulin resistance can vary and may not always be noticeable, especially in the early stages. However, some common symptoms and signs include:
High Blood Sugar Levels: One of the hallmark signs of insulin resistance is consistently high levels of blood sugar, known as hyperglycemia. This may be detected through blood tests.
Increased Hunger: Despite eating regularly, you may feel hungry frequently. This is because your cells are not effectively using glucose for energy, leading to a feeling of constant hunger.
Weight Gain or Difficulty Losing Weight: Insulin resistance can contribute to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. It can also make it challenging to lose weight even with diet and exercise.
Fatigue: Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can lead to feelings of fatigue and low energy levels.
Increased Thirst and Urination: High blood sugar levels can cause increased thirst (polydipsia) and urination (polyuria) as your body tries to remove excess glucose through urine.
Frequent Infections: High blood sugar levels can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections, particularly yeast infections in women.
Darkened Skin Patches: Some people with insulin resistance may develop darkened patches of skin, especially around the neck, armpits, or groin area. This condition is known as acanthosis nigricans.
High Blood Pressure: Insulin resistance is often associated with other metabolic conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure).
Abnormal Lipid Levels: Insulin resistance can lead to imbalances in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): In women, insulin resistance is closely linked to PCOS, a hormonal disorder characterized by irregular periods, excess hair growth, and ovarian cysts.
It's essential to note that not everyone with insulin resistance will experience all of these symptoms, and some individuals may not have noticeable symptoms until the condition progresses. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider, especially if you have risk factors like obesity, sedentary lifestyle, or a family history of diabetes, can help in early detection and management of insulin resistance.
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