Weight gain may be a sign of insulin resistance, particularly if you have excess abdominal fat called visceral fat, according to the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2019. Weight gain alone puts you at risk for developing insulin resistance, but insulin resistance itself can also lead to weight gain resulting in a cycle that can progress over time. That said, it doesn’t have to be a large amount of weight gain, either.
In an observational study of almost 10,000 people, those with higher insulin levels were more likely to die from cancer. In fact, insulin levels can be elevated for years, without causing any other issues. The most common cause of low insulin is type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease in which the pancreatic cells that normally produce insulin are destroyed [9, 10, 11].
Over time, the pancreas keeps trying to regulate the blood sugar, producing more and more insulin until it wears out and can’t produce large amounts of insulin anymore. As a result, blood sugar levels increase to the point of being in the diabetic range. Healthy living may help keep your body’s blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose level, also called blood sugar level, in the range your primary health care professional recommends.
As long as your pancreas can make enough insulin to overcome your cells’ weak response to insulin, your blood glucose levels will stay in the healthy range. If you are an adult with overweight or obesity, work with your health care team to create a weight-loss plan. When you have insulin resistance, your body doesn’t respond effectively to insulin, a hormone that pushes blood glucose into your cells where it can be used for energy, says the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Because of this, the body demands more insulin to help the cells absorb glucose. ‘This leads to higher levels of both insulin and glucose in the bloodstream,’ says Emily Cornelius, RD, a registered dietitian and insulin resistance expert. ‘Over time, this can lead to various health complications like prediabetes and type 2 diabetes,’ she explains.
Insulin resistance is a condition where the body’s cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Typically, this is associated with high fasting insulin levels as the pancreas produces more insulin to compensate for the decreased sensitivity of cells.
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and insulin resistance syndrome (IRS) are considered to be clinical indicators of insulin resistance. An alternative classification of insulin resistance exists and is based on the site of dysfunction with respect to the insulin receptor. This classification system includes pre-receptor, receptor, and post-receptor etiologies. If you receive a diagnosis of insulin resistance, it doesn’t mean you will develop diabetes. Our experts will recommend a treatment plan to reduce or even reverse your body’s resistance. High blood pressure (hypertension) can interfere with your body’s ability to convert blood glucose.
If your blood sugar level drops below your target range, it’s known as low blood sugar (diabetic hypoglycemia). If you’re taking drugs that lower your blood sugar, including insulin, your blood sugar level can drop for many reasons. These include skipping a meal and getting more physical activity than normal.
However, some individuals may experience insulin resistance despite having normal blood sugar and normal fasting insulin levels. This can be a puzzling situation as traditional markers of insulin resistance are not present.
One possible explanation for this phenomenon is that the body is able to maintain normal blood sugar levels by producing higher amounts of insulin when needed. This can create a state of “hidden” or “masked” insulin resistance, where the body is working harder to keep blood sugar levels in check without showing the typical signs of elevated insulin.
How can Insulin Resistance with Normal Blood Sugar and Normal Fasting Insulin Levels Impact Health?
Even though blood sugar and fasting insulin levels may appear normal in individuals with insulin resistance, the condition can still have negative effects on health. Over time, insulin resistance can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other metabolic disorders.
Additionally, insulin resistance is often associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. It is important for individuals with insulin resistance, regardless of their blood sugar and insulin levels, to work towards improving their insulin sensitivity through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
Conclusion
Insulin resistance with normal blood sugar and normal fasting insulin levels may present a unique challenge in terms of diagnosis and treatment. It is important for healthcare providers to consider other markers of insulin resistance, such as HbA1c levels and triglyceride levels, when evaluating patients who exhibit symptoms of insulin resistance but do not fit the typical profile.
By understanding the complexities of insulin resistance and its impact on health, individuals can take proactive steps to improve their insulin sensitivity and reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases associated with insulin resistance.
