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Insulin Resistance: The Silent Precursor to Diabetes
6 Nov
Summary
- Pancreas overproduces insulin to mask early insulin resistance.
- Warning signs include increased waist size and frequent hunger.
- Tests like HbA1c can help detect resistance before blood sugar rises.
Insulin resistance, a precursor to Type 2 diabetes, can silently develop for years. Initially, the pancreas compensates by producing extra insulin, maintaining normal blood sugar levels. However, this compensatory mechanism can weaken over time, leading to elevated glucose, prediabetes, and eventually Type 2 diabetes.
Early indicators of insulin resistance may include a growing waistline, persistent hunger, and unusual sleepiness after meals. Distinctive dark, velvety skin patches, known as acanthosis nigricans, can also signal this condition. These signs are not conclusive and require clinical assessment.
While normal blood sugar tests might not reveal early insulin resistance, specific tests like HbA1c, glucose tolerance tests, and lipid profiles can offer insights. Measuring fasting insulin and HOMA-IR may also help, though universal diagnostic cut-offs are lacking. Individuals with a family history of diabetes or other risk factors should consult a healthcare professional for screening.
