Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that assists with blood glucose stability by facilitating the entry of glucose into the body’s cells for energy. When this closely monitored system breaks down, insulin resistance can develop, which is a contributing factor to type 2 diabetes.

Understanding Insulin Resistance

In the healthy body, insulin serves as a “key” to open cells to let glucose from food in, but with insulin resistance, the cells including those found in muscles, fat, and the liver, essentially stop responding adequately to the insulin. Therefore the glucose remains in the bloodstream instead of being absorbed. The pancreas attempts to compensate by producing greater amounts of insulin to overcome this resistance. Through time, the pancreas is overstimulated, and as production continues long term, the insulin level can no longer match the body’s demands.

The Connection to Type 2 Diabetes

When your body is insulin resistant, blood glucose continues to rise. The pancreas compensates at this point, but insulin production will start to decrease, and then the blood glucose levels remain continuously high or are “chronically high,” a primary marker of type 2 diabetes. It is during this period of insulin resistance and when blood glucose levels are chronically high that the body’s cells have no energy, even while sugar exists in the bloodstream. If left untreated, high blood glucose will result in damage to blood vessels and various organs and increase the risk of heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney failure.

Risk Factors and Prevention

There are many reasons for insulin resistance which include obesity, lack of exercise, diet, chronic stress, and genetic disposition. The good news, however, is that insulin resistance can often be delayed or even reversed with significant lifestyle changes to promote better health. Regular physical activity will increase insulin sensitivity, and diet changes to increase fiber and reduce the intake of processed carbohydrates will help regulate blood glucose.

Management of Type 2 Diabetes

For those who have been diagnosed already with type 2 diabetes, emphasis is placed on improving insulin sensitivity and the management of blood glucose levels through diet, exercise, medications, and in some cases, insulin therapy. New medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists are helping patients improve their ability to manage their condition. Learn how to use ozempic pen correctly can greatly influence overall treatment success.

Recognizing the development of insulin resistance and taking steps in advance in prevention can help reduce the onset of developing type 2 diabetes and its complications in the long term.