Insulin resistance
Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance (pronounced: in-su-lin re-sis-tance) is a pathological condition in which cells fail to respond normally to the hormone insulin. The body produces insulin, but the cells in the body become resistant to it and are unable to use it as effectively, leading to high blood sugar. Beta cells in the pancreas subsequently increase their production of insulin, further contributing to a high blood insulin level. This often remains undetected and can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.
Etymology
The term "insulin resistance" is derived from the hormone insulin, which was first discovered in 1921 by Canadian scientists Frederick Banting and Charles Best, and the term "resistance", which refers to the reduced response of cells to the hormone.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of insulin resistance can include fatigue, hunger, brain fog, and high blood pressure. It is often diagnosed through a fasting blood insulin level test or a glucose tolerance test.
Causes
Insulin resistance can be caused by various factors including excess body weight, physical inactivity, poor diet, and certain health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome. It is also known to have a genetic component.
Treatment
Treatment for insulin resistance typically involves lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and weight loss. Medications such as metformin or thiazolidinediones can also be used to improve insulin sensitivity.
Related Terms
- Hyperinsulinemia: A condition characterized by excess levels of insulin circulating in the blood relative to the level of glucose.
- Metabolic syndrome: A cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
- Glucose intolerance: A pre-diabetic state of hyperglycemia that is associated with insulin resistance and increased risk of cardiovascular pathology.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Insulin resistance
- Wikipedia's article - Insulin resistance
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