Insulin resistance

What it means

At first, the pancreas makes extra insulin and blood sugar stays in range. Over time it may not keep up, and blood sugar rises into the prediabetes or type 2 diabetes range.

The NIDDK lists risk factors including overweight or obesity, a large waist, age 35 or older, family history of diabetes, inactivity, smoking and a history of gestational diabetes. Conditions such as PCOS, Cushing's syndrome and sleep apnea, and some medicines like glucocorticoids, are also linked.

Most people have no symptoms. Some develop darker, velvety skin in body folds such as the neck or armpits. There is no single routine test for insulin resistance itself, so clinicians usually look at blood sugar, A1C, waist size, triglycerides and HDL together.

Weight loss and regular activity, including strength training, can improve how the body responds to insulin.

Why it matters

Insulin resistance links excess weight to diabetes, and improving it is one goal of GLP-1 treatment.