Glyvon HealthInsulin resistance is when cells respond poorly to insulin. The pancreas compensates with more insulin until it can't — leading to type 2 diabetes, PCOS, NAFLD and metabolic syndrome.
Symptoms
- Belly fat (waist > 102 cm men, > 88 cm women)
- Acanthosis nigricans (dark velvety skin on neck, armpits)
- Skin tags
- Adult acne
- Severe post-meal fatigue
- Sugar cravings (especially 2–5 pm)
- Brain fog
- Difficulty losing weight
Causes
- Excess weight (especially visceral)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Refined carbs & sugar
- Genetics
- Poor sleep, chronic stress
- PCOS, hypothyroidism
- Some medications
Clinical tests
When fasting glucose and fasting insulin are available, an insulin resistance calculator can estimate HOMA-IR for screening discussion; it does not replace clinical evaluation.
- Fasting glucose
- Fasting insulin
- HOMA-IR
- HbA1c
- OGTT (if needed)
- Lipid panel (TG/HDL ratio)
12-step recovery plan
- Target waist circumference
- 150 min/week cardio
- Resistance training 2x/week
- 10-min post-meal walks
- Improve carb quality
- Eat protein & veg first
- 25–30 g fiber/day
- 7–9 hours sleep
- Stress management
- Cut sugary drinks
- Limit alcohol
- Medications under medical supervision
Frequently asked questions
How is insulin resistance evaluated?
Clinicians may review fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, OGTT results and symptoms together. No single symptom pattern confirms insulin resistance.
Can insulin resistance improve?
Often, yes. Weight management, exercise, fiber and sleep improvements may help over weeks to months, but individual results vary and should be reviewed clinically.
Can I lose weight with insulin resistance?
Yes, though harder. Low-glycemic diet, resistance training and sometimes metformin help. Sustainable calorie deficit is key.
What is normal fasting insulin?
Reference ranges vary by lab. Many clinicians view below 10 μU/mL as lower, 10–15 as borderline and above 15 as elevated in context.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice.