Insulin Resistance Syndrome

Insulin resistance syndrome is a term used to describe a combination of medical conditions that that have a common link -- abnormalities in how the body uses insulin leading to a compensatory increase in increased insulin secretion.

The cluster of medical conditions that make up the insulin resistance syndrome places a person at risk of developing diabetes and arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). It is estimated that 70 to 80 million Americans have the combination of diseases caused by insulin resistance syndrome.

Those diseases are:


What Is Insulin Resistance?
Normally, food is absorbed into the bloodstream in the form of sugars such as glucose and fats and other basic substances. The increase in glucose in the bloodstream signals the pancreas (an organ located behind the stomach) to increase the secretion of a hormone called insulin. This hormone attaches to cells and allows the glucose to enter, removing it from the bloodstream, where it is used for energy.

In insulin resistance, the body's cells have a diminished ability to respond to the action of the insulin hormone. To compensate for the resistance, the pancreas secretes more insulin.

Therefore, people with this syndrome have insulin resistance AND high levels of insulin in the blood. Overtime people can develop high sugars or diabetes as the high insulin levels can no longer compensate for elevated sugars.

How Is Insulin Resistance Syndrome Diagnosed?
There is no simple test to diagnose the insulin resistance syndrome. Rather, your doctor may suspect the syndrome if you have the following:

  • More than one parent or sibling has type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease
  • Obesity or overweight (BMI - body mass index- above 25)
  • More fat around the waist than around the hips an apple shape) or a waist circumference in men taller than 40 inches and in women taller than 35 inches
  • Age greater than 40 years
  • Had gestational diabetes
  • Have a history of a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Have pre-diabetes
  • Are a member of certain ethnic groups (Latino, Blacks, Native American)


What Are The Components of the Insulin Resistance Syndrome?

  • Type 2 diabetes. This occurs because the pancreas is unable to turn out enough insulin to overcome the insulin resistance. Blood glucose levels rise and diabetes is diagnosed.
  • High blood pressure. Half of people with high blood pressure (not caused by other diseases) have insulin resistance syndrome. The mechanism is unclear, but studies suggest that the worse the blood pressure, the worse the insulin resistance.
  • Abnormal cholesterol levels. The typical cholesterol levels of a person with insulin resistance are low HDL or good cholesterol and high triglyceride levels.
  • Heart disease. The insulin resistance syndrome can result in arteriosclerosis of the heart's arteries; abnormalities in the walls of the arteries that cause them to be less able to expand. This leads to more substances that can cause clots and fewer chemicals that are normally present in the arteries that break down clots if they form.
  • Obesity. A major factor in the development of insulin resistance syndrome is obesity especially abdominal obesity. Obesity promotes insulin resistance, it negatively impacts insulin responsiveness in a person. Weight loss can improve the body's ability to recognize and use insulin appropriately.


The current epidemic of obesity in children also puts them at risk for the development of the insulin resistance syndrome)

Is It Preventable?
Yes. If you live a healthy lifestyle, you may be able to avoid getting these diseases. Here are some tips:

  • Exercise. Try walking 30 minutes a day for at least 5 days a week (exercise can be divided into 3 separate periods of 10 minutes each)
  • Stay at a healthy weight (although a 5- 10 % weight loss will have beneficial effects on your health)
  • Eat right. A healthy balanced and caloric restricted diet is recommended. See a nutritionist for guidelines on diets and portions size.

Source: Web MD

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