About Insulin Resistance

What is insulin resistance?

nsulin resistance is a condition in which the body’s cells do not use insulin properly. Insulin helps cells use blood glucose for energy.

Insulin resistance increases the risk of developing pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Causes of Insulin Resistance

Causes of insulin resistance and pre-diabetes include genetic factors, excess weight, and lack of physical activity.

Can insulin resistance be reversed?

Being physically active, making wise food choices, and reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent or reverse insulin resistance and pre-diabetes.

Losing Weight Improves Insulin Sensitivity and May Prevent Pre-Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes

The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) study confirmed that people at risk for developing type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes by losing 5 to 7 percent of their body weight through regular physical activity and a diet low in fat and calories.

More About Insulin Resistance

• Metabolic Disorders Associated With Insulin resistance
• Medications for Treating Pre-Diabetes and Insulin Resistance
• Lifestyle Changes for Managing Pre-diabetes and Insulin Resistance

Losing a modest amount of weight (10 to 15 lbs) can help you reverse pre-diabetes and insulin resistance. But it can be difficult to lose weight if your body over produces insulin .

You may need to cut down on carbohydrate intake, exercise more, and even need insulin sensitizing medications to help you lose weight.

Increasing muscle mass through strength training can also help you burn fat more efficiently and make your body more sensitive to insulin.