Insulin resistance refers to a condition in which body cells react less than normal to the hormone insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows the body’s cells to take up glucose. However, in the case of insulin resistance, the cells do not react to this hormone as expected and therefore glucose cannot be taken up into the cells sufficiently.

This causes the pancreas to try to produce more insulin. However, in the long term, this can cause the hormone insulin to lose its effect and blood sugar levels to remain high. Insulin resistance is often associated with factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, genetic factors and hormonal changes.

Insulin resistance can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and lead to health problems such as metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular exercise and weight control can help reduce insulin resistance. Early diagnosis and treatment are important in keeping this condition under control. If you have any suspicions about a health problem, it is best to talk to a health professional.

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body’s cells react less than normal to insulin. This can cause blood sugar to remain at higher than normal levels and can lead to metabolic problems in the long term.

Symptoms:

1. Weight Gain and Difficult Weight Loss: Insulin resistance can cause fat accumulation in the body and complicate weight loss efforts.
2. Excessive Hunger or Feeling of Fullness: Individuals with insulin resistance may experience excessive hunger or a constant feeling of fullness due to fluctuations in blood sugar.
3. Fatigue Irregular blood sugar levels can affect energy levels and cause a feeling of constant fatigue.
4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Insulin resistance can increase the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome in women, which can cause menstrual irregularities, infertility and hormonal changes.

Risk Factors:

1. 1. Obesity: Increased body fat can increase the risk of insulin resistance.
   2. Sedentary Lifestyle: Not exercising regularly can increase the risk of insulin resistance.
   3. Family History: Individuals with a family history of type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance may be at higher risk.
   4. Age: Advancing age can increase the risk of insulin resistance.
   5. Low HDL Cholesterol and High Triglyceride Levels: Lipid profile disorders may be associated with insulin resistance.
   6. History of Gestational Diabetes: A history of diabetes during pregnancy may increase the risk of insulin resistance later in life.
2. Excessive thirst and increased urination: Insulin resistance can lead to symptoms such as excessive thirst and frequent urination due to impaired sugar metabolism.

Insulin resistance is usually determined using laboratory tests and clinical assessments. Here are some methods used to determine insulin resistance:

1. Fasting Blood Sugar Test:
   • A fasting blood glucose test is a blood test performed in the morning after an individual has fasted overnight.
   • Normally, fasting blood glucose is expected to be below 100 mg/dL. However, in case of insulin resistance, this value may be high.
2. Hemoglobin A1c Test:
   • Hemoglobin A1c is a measurement of average blood glucose over a three-month period.
   • Typically, a hemoglobin A1c level below 5.7% is considered normal. However, values between 5.7% and 6.4% may indicate a risk of insulin resistance.
3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT):
   • In this test, the individual first drinks a certain amount of glucose on an empty stomach.
   • Blood sugar is then measured at regular intervals to monitor how the body handles glucose.
   • In the case of insulin resistance, blood glucose levels may be higher than normal and the insulin response may be low.
4. Direct Measurement of Insulin Levels:
   • In some cases, fasting insulin levels can be directly measured to determine insulin resistance.
   • High fasting insulin levels may indicate a state of insulin resistance.
5. HOMA-IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance):
   • HOMA-IR is an index calculated using fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin levels.
   • High HOMA-IR scores may increase the risk of insulin resistance.

The results of these tests should be evaluated by a health professional. Determination of insulin resistance usually takes place under the supervision of a doctor or endocrinologist. These tests are interpreted taking into account factors such as the individual’s health status, age, weight and general medical history.

Yes, insulin resistance can be treated. Treatment of insulin resistance usually involves lifestyle changes, weight control, healthy eating and regular exercise. Here are some of the methods used to treat insulin resistance:

1. Healthy Nutrition:
   • Eating foods with a low glycemic index can help stabilize blood sugar.
   • It is important to adopt a diet that includes good quality protein, healthy fats and fiber.
2. Weight Control:
   • In overweight individuals, losing weight can reduce insulin resistance.
   • A balanced diet and regular exercise program are important to control weight in a healthy way.
3. Regular Exercise:
   • Aerobic exercises can help reduce insulin resistance. Activities such as walking, jogging and cycling can be beneficial in this regard.
   • In addition, resistance exercises (strength training) can also improve insulin sensitivity by increasing muscle mass.
4. Medication Therapy:
   • In some cases, lifestyle changes may not be enough and doctors may recommend medication. These medicines can help reduce insulin resistance and keep blood sugar under control.
5. Hormonal Therapies:
   • Hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may occur in association with insulin resistance, especially in women. In these cases, hormonal treatments may be considered.
6. Regular Monitoring and Control:
   • It is important for individuals with insulin resistance to be in regular contact with their doctor, monitor their blood glucose levels and stick to their treatment plan.

Insulin resistance can be controlled when recognized early and treated appropriately. However, the treatment process can vary from individual to individual, so it is important to talk to a health professional to create a personalized health plan.