Causes of Insulin Resistance, Symptoms and Treatment

Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells stop responding well to insulin—a hormone that helps move glucose from the blood into cells for energy. When cells become less responsive to insulin, glucose remains in the bloodstream, causing high blood sugar levels. Over time, this condition can lead to prediabetes, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), and other serious health problems like heart disease, obesity, and PCOS.

The main causes of insulin resistance include excess belly fat, lack of physical activity, poor diet, certain medications, and hormonal imbalances. Fat buildup, especially around the waist, affects organs like the liver and pancreas, impairing insulin function. A sedentary lifestyle reduces the body’s ability to use glucose efficiently. Processed foods, simple carbs, and unhealthy fats trigger frequent insulin spikes, exhausting the pancreas.

Some medications—like steroids, immunosuppressants, or psychiatric drugs—can also lead to insulin resistance. Hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, and rare genetic disorders also play a role.

Symptoms often appear only when blood sugar levels start rising. These include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurry vision, and slow-healing wounds. Skin changes like Acanthosis Nigricans (dark patches), skin tags, and tingling sensations may also occur.

Managing insulin resistance involves more than lowering blood sugar—it requires addressing root causes. At Freedom From Diabetes (FFD), our approach targets four key areas: diet, exercise, stress management, and medical guidance. A whole-food, fiber-rich diet, regular physical activity, and stress reduction techniques can greatly improve insulin sensitivity and even reverse insulin resistance in many cases.

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