Frequently Asked Questions About Insulin Resistance and Pre-Diabetes

List of all Pre-Diabetes FAQs

Is pre-diabetes the same thing as Insulin Resistance Syndrome (or Metabolic Syndrome X)?

No.

Pre-diabetes is not the same thing as Insulin Resistance Syndrome, which is also called Metabolic Syndrome X.

However, people with pre-diabetes may also be diagnosed with insulin resistance syndrome/Metabolic Syndrome X based on other symptoms they have.

If a person is insulin resistant, the body gradually loses sensitivity to (resists) the hormone insulin. This insensitivity is made worse by excess body fat, hormones, an unhealthy lifestyle, other medical disorders, aging, or a combination of things.

A person with insulin resistance syndrome (/Metabolic Syndrome X) is at high risk for developing pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. But not all people with insulin resistance syndrome are pre-diabetic.

How are pre-diabetes and Insulin Resistance Syndrome (Metabolic Syndrome X) different from each other?

Pre-diabetes is diagnosed by mildly elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia). You do not have to have any other symptoms. If you do have other symptoms, you may also have insulin resistance syndrome (Metabolic Syndrome X).

To be diagnosed with Insulin Resistance Syndrome (Metabolic Syndrome X)  you must have more than one symptom of the syndrome - which does not include hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugars).