Question 138 of 433
What is insulin resistance?
The short answer
Insulin resistance means the body needs more insulin to produce a given effect. It may develop before glucose reaches the diabetes range, but one insulin result cannot reliably diagnose or rank everyone.
The pancreas can initially compensate by releasing more insulin. Over time, glucose may rise if that compensation becomes insufficient. Larger waist size, raised triglycerides, low HDL, acanthosis nigricans, and a history of gestational diabetes can signal metabolic risk, but none alone proves the diagnosis.
Established glucose tests and the overall clinical picture guide care. In most adults, exercise, nutrition, sleep, and appropriate weight management are worthwhile without first measuring insulin. A biomarker is useful when knowing it improves the decision.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
ESTABLISHED PHYSIOLOGY — Insulin resistance; clinical clues and individual tests have imperfect specificity.Evidence grade (draft mapping)EEstablished clinical knowledgePart 11, Q138 · Sources: R1
Sources cited
- R1 Sacks DB et al. Guidelines and Recommendations for Laboratory Analysis in the Diagnosis and Management of Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes Care. 2023;46:e151–e199. doi:10.2337/dci23-0036. PubMed 37471273DOI 10.2337/dci23-0036✓ Verified
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.