Insulin Resistance: Symptoms,Causes and Treatment

What is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance was first studied and documented in detail by Prof. Wilhelm Falta, in 1931. The condition was confirmed at the University College Hospital Medical Center in London, by Sir Harold Percival Himsworth, in 1936. Observations revealed that in the case of normal metabolism, after every meal, insulin is released from pancreatic beta cells. This action initiates the absorption of glucose by the body's insulin-sensitive tissues, like those in muscles and adipose. This helps to regulate the blood glucose levels at the optimum 5 mmol/L (90 mg/dL). In the case of an insulin-resistant person, the normal levels of insulin do not trigger this action and hence, the blood glucose levels remain high. This results in the pancreas stimulating the release of additional insulin that further causes adverse biological effects.

When fat and liver cell response to insulin in the body is reduced, elevated hydrolysis of triglycerides either increase insulin sensitivity in the body, or generate additional insulin. Subsequently, the lipids in the muscle and fat cells elevate the fatty acids in the blood plasma and trigger reduced glucose uptake. Insulin resistance in the liver cells triggers impaired glycogen synthesis and a complete break-down on the essential suppression of glucose production. This results in high blood fatty acid levels and subsequently, the development of diabetes mellitus. Research reveals that insulin resistance is primarily responsible for the onslaught of metabolic syndromes and other blood glucose complications.

Signs and Symptoms of Insulin Resistance:

The symptoms of IR or insulin resistance include:

• Fatigue
• Inability to focus on tasks at hand
• Increased blood sugar levels
• Increased blood triglyceride levels
• Increased blood pressure
• Intestinal swelling
• Intestinal bloating
• Drowsiness
• Weight gain
• Depression

Insulin resistance is triggered by metabolic syndromes, body tissue inflammation, visceral adiposity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, impaired fibrinolysis, increased cytokine levels and poor intracellular Mg concentrations. The other causes of the onslaught include obesity, hormonal change during pregnancy, organ infection or severe illness and indiscriminate use of steroids.

Conditions Associated with Insulin Resistance:

Insulin resistance is commonly associated with diabetes and cholesterol abnormalities. The other ailments linked to the condition include:

• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Arteriosclerosis
• Coronary artery disease
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Skin lesions such as those that manifest in the onslaught of acanthosis nigricans and axilla
• Reproductive abnormalities, especially in the case of women
• Hyperandrogenism
• Growth abnormalities

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Insulin Resistance:

Insulin resistance is diagnosed via certain tests such as:

• Fasting serum insulin level test.
• Glucose tolerance test
• Hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp test
• Glucose tracer tests
• Modified insulin suppression test
• Homeostatic model assessment test
• Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index test

The primary treatment options for insulin resistance include exercise and growth hormone replacement therapy. Alternatives include increased use of cinnamon in the food, artificial supplements of vanadium, chromium and regular Mg administration help to improve insulin-mediated glucose uptake. The condition has been commonly observed in individuals with body mass index above 25 and those with a family history of Type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes and/or arteriosclerosis. Insulin resistance can be managed with life-style changes like reducing the intake of carbohydrates, unrefined sugars, white bread, and unrefined corn and potato products in the diet plan.