Insulin resistance is a condition in which your body’s cells don’t respond properly to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps sugar (glucose) enter cells for energy. When this happens, the pancreas produces more and more insulin to compensate, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems. Recognizing the early signs is crucial for taking preventive measures. Here are 7 common indicators that could suggest you may have insulin resistance.
Weight gain
Insulin resistance is a condition in which your body’s cells don’t respond properly to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps sugar (glucose) enter cells for energy. When this happens, the pancreas produces more and more insulin to compensate, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems. Recognizing the early signs is crucial for taking preventive measures. Here are 7 common indicators that could suggest you may have insulin resistance.
High blood sugar (glucose) levels
Although insulin resistance isn’t type 2 diabetes, it’s often a precursor. If your blood tests show elevated or slightly above-normal fasting glucose levels (pre-diabetes), it’s an important sign that your body isn’t managing sugar well.
Constant fatigue after meals
Feeling unusually tired or sleepy after eating, especially after carbohydrate-rich meals, can be a sign. This occurs because sugar doesn’t efficiently enter your cells to be converted into energy, leaving your body without adequate fuel.
Frequent cravings for sweets
When cells can’t use glucose effectively, the body may interpret it as not having enough energy, leading to a constant craving for more sugar and carbohydrates to try to get that energy boost.
Darkened skin (Acanthosis Nigricans)
Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition characterized by dark, thick, velvety patches that typically appear in body folds such as the neck, armpits, or groin. This is due to high insulin levels that stimulate excessive skin cell growth.
Swelling and fluid retention
Elevated insulin levels can affect how the kidneys handle sodium, which can lead to increased water retention in the body . This can manifest as swelling , especially in the hands and feet.
Increased thirst and frequent urination
Although these are more classic symptoms of established diabetes, they can also indicate that the body is trying to get rid of excess sugar through urine, which in turn causes increased thirst. If you experience this, it is crucial to seek medical attention.