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Signs And Symptoms Of Insulin Resistance
Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD
Insulin resistance occurs when your body's cells become less sensitive or responsive to insulin—a hormone that your pancreas produces. Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating your blood sugar levels by helping cells absorb glucose (sugar) from the food you eat for energy.
You may develop insulin resistance as a result of having consistently high blood sugar levels. Many people don't realize they have insulin resistance until they take a blood test, especially because symptoms can go unnoticed in the early stages and develop gradually. As insulin resistance progresses, you may start noticing weight gain, frequent urination, and fatigue, among other symptoms. Without proper treatment, insulin resistance may progress to type 2 diabetes.
High Blood SugarHigh blood sugar—medically known as hyperglycemia—refers to high levels of glucose in your blood. This symptom is often one of the first signs of insulin resistance. If your healthcare provider suspects that you are showing signs of high blood sugar or may be at risk of diabetes, they may order a hemoglobin A1C test, which checks for elevated blood sugar levels and measures your average blood sugar levels over the past three months.
An A1C result that is less than 5.7% is considered a normal level. However, having a result between 5.7% and 6.4% can indicate that you are insulin-resistant and have prediabetes—a condition that means you have higher than normal blood sugar levels, but not high enough to classify you with type 2 diabetes. However, an A1C result of 6.5% or higher means you have a diagnosis for type 2 diabetes.
High CholesterolInsulin plays a role in how your body regulates the usage and storage of fats and cholesterol. A simple blood test can show if you have high cholesterol. Your healthcare provider may suspect insulin resistance if you have a blood test with the following results:
Elevated triglycerides (blood fat)
Increased LDL ("bad") cholesterol
Decreased HDL ("good") cholesterol
When your body becomes resistant to insulin, it's more difficult for your body to properly use sugar as energy, which can lead to higher glucose levels in your bloodstream. In response to this action, your body produces more insulin to compensate for high blood sugar levels. But this excess insulin production can influence your body to store more fat than normal, especially around the waist. This abdominal weight gain is often associated with insulin resistance.
FatigueFatigue is one of the hallmark symptoms of insulin resistance, prediabetes, and diabetes. Insulin resistance affects how effectively your cells absorb glucose for energy. As a result, your body struggles to use glucose efficiently, leading to a dip in energy and an increase in fatigue. Additionally, this condition can cause fluctuating changes in your blood sugar levels, which can also contribute to feeling more tired.
Frequent UrinationFrequent urination, or polyuria, is your body's attempt to get rid of excess glucose. Having to use the restroom more often than what is normal for you is a common sign of insulin resistance and prediabetes.
When your glucose levels are high, the kidneys work hard to remove the excess glucose from the blood. Typically, glucose gets filtered out of the bloodstream and into the kidneys and then the kidneys reabsorb the sugar back into the bloodstream.
But, when blood glucose levels are consistently high, your kidneys can't reabsorb all the excess sugar. This excess glucose in the kidneys forces your body to put the sugar into your urine and take water from your body's tissues—which leads to an increase in urine production.
Increased ThirstBecause excess sugar in your bloodstream makes you urinate more often, your body loses more fluids through urine. Peeing more frequently can lead to the loss of water in your body and puts you at risk of dehydration. As a result, it's common for you to feel more thirsty throughout the day, as your body tries to compensate for the lost fluids.
Related: Here's Why Sugar Makes You So Thirsty
Skin ChangesIf you develop insulin resistance or prediabetes, certain areas of your skin like the armpits or the back and sides of the neck might start to look darker in color. This condition is called acanthosis nigricans. Alongside darkened skin, these regions of your skin can also develop several small skin growths which are called skin tags.
Tingling at the Bottom of the FeetTingling in the feet can often be a symptom of insulin resistance. High blood sugar levels, even if you don't have diabetes, can cause neuropathy—a condition that causes nerve damage. In most cases, nerve damage often begins in the feet and can cause tingling sensations, numbness, or a "pins-and-needles" feeling.
Symptoms in ChildrenInsulin resistance often doesn't show noticeable symptoms in children. However, in some cases, children might develop patches of thickened, darkened, or velvety skin. These patches typically appear in areas where your body naturally creases, such as the neck and armpits.
If your child has insulin resistance, they may also be at an increased risk of experiencing symptoms of other conditions such as:
Staying active and eating nutritious meals is crucial in managing insulin resistance in children.
When to Contact a Healthcare ProviderIf you suspect you might have insulin resistance or are experiencing symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or unexplained weight gain, it's advisable to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. If you have a family history of diabetes or other related conditions, it might be a good idea to discuss this with your provider as well.
During your appointment, your provider can perform tests to determine if you have insulin resistance and offer guidance on how to manage the condition through lifestyle changes or medications if necessary.
Questions to Ask Your ProviderBefore your appointment, it can help to have some questions in mind to ask your provider. Consider the following:
Why am I gaining weight if my diet hasn't changed?
What tests do I need to confirm insulin resistance?
Does insulin resistance always lead to diabetes?
What lifestyle changes do you recommend I make to reverse or improve insulin resistance?
Insulin resistance often goes unnoticed until symptoms manifest. But as your condition progresses, you might notice symptoms like high blood sugar, fatigue, and unexplained weight changes. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider and get tested. Without proper treatment, insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes and cause other complications.
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do you reverse symptoms of insulin resistance?
It is possible to reverse insulin resistance through a combination of regular exercise and a nutritious diet. Talk to your healthcare provider about an eating and exercise plan that works right for you. They can also refer you to a nutritionist for more specialized help to improve your symptoms.
What foods should you eat to reduce symptoms of insulin resistance?
Whole grains, lean protein sources, low-fat dairy, and vegetables can all help regulate your blood sugar levels. It can help to be mindful of serving sizes and minimize your intake of sugary treats and fried foods.
Does insulin resistance mean that you have diabetes?
Being insulin-resistant means that your sugar levels are high, but it does not mean that you have diabetes. However, if you have insulin resistance, you are at an increased risk of developing diabetes within the next ten years.
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Eleven Signs You're At Risk Of Dementia - From Sleep Troubles To High Blood Pressure
Dementia is not a specific disease but instead a syndrome (group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline in cognitive abilities, notably affecting memory but also speech and other behaviours
Rather than a disease, dementia is a collection of related symptoms associated with decline in brain functioning (Image: Getty Images)
Experts have revealed the 11 key signs you're at risk of dementia and what you can do to tackle them and reduce the risk of developing it.
Dementia is not a specific disease but instead a syndrome (group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline in cognitive abilities, notably affecting memory but also speech and other behaviours. Around 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 have dementia in the UK, according to the NHS.
New health research shows there are more than 944,000 people in the UK living with dementia, a number that is estimated to increase to more than 1 million by 2030. Rather than a natural part of ageing, there are many risk factors that can increase a person's likelihood of developing dementia.
A study found that those with irregular sleep schedules were 53% more likely to develop dementia than those with strict bedtimes (Image:
Getty Images) Sleep troublesA study recently published in the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology found that those with irregular bedtimes had a 53% higher dementia risk than those with strict schedules, after adjusting for age, sex and genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists tracked 88, 094 middle-aged people's sleep with wrist-worn trackers for an average of seven years, who were given a score of 100 based on how closely their sleep and wake times matched each day. Medical records showed that the lowest scoring group – those with the most variation in their sleep cycle – were significantly more likely to develop dementia than those with an average score.
Professor Matthew Paul Pase, from Monash University in Australia, said: "Our findings suggest the regularity of a person's sleep is an important factor in their risk of dementia. Sleep health recommendations often focus on getting the right amount of sleep, which is seven to nine hours a night, but there is less emphasis on maintaining regular sleep schedules."
He added: "People with irregular sleep may only need to improve their sleep regularity to average levels, compared to very high levels, to prevent dementia."
Other risk factors for dementiaGenes – most dementias are not hereditary but in some rare cases, dementia is directly caused by a single-gene disease. Of the four most common types of dementia, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is most likely caused by a single-gene change.
High blood pressure (hypertension) – people who have consistent high blood pressure in middle age are more likely to develop dementia compared to those with normal blood pressure because of the effect high blood pressure has on the heart, arteries, and blood circulation
Social isolation – social isolation can increase the risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, depression and dementia, so staying socially active may reduce the work or at least slow down the progression of the disease
Traumatic brain injury – brain injuries may trigger a process that might eventually lead to dementia, which particularly affects athletes in boxing, football, hockey and rugby, who often endure repeated brain injuries
The 9 Early Signs Of Diabetes To Watch Out For Over Christmas – From Bad Breath To Feeling Extra Impatient
CHRISTMAS is a time of year to kick back and let loose.
But among all that partying and overindulging, you may notice some unusual changes in yourself.
1
Some subtle symptoms of type 2 diabetes might be noticeable at ChristmasCredit: GettyAlthough these can be passed off as a side effect of scoffing too many mince pies or glasses of mulled wine, they can also be early warning signs of type 2 diabetes.
Millions of people in the UK are currently living with the condition, but many have no idea they have it.
"Diabetes sometimes goes undetected as some of the symptoms go unnoticed," Dr Neel Patel, a GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, explained.
Symptoms can be subtle, but some of them may become more obvious over the festive period.
Here, we look at nine early indicators you may want to get checked by a GP in the New Year.
1. Peeing more often than normalFrequent urination is one of the most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
This is because it helps the body remove excess glucose.
At Christmas, you might find yourself peeing more often than normal and blame it on alcohol or the cold weather.
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I tried Dunnes Stores' real leather designer bags - and they're on saleBut if you notice it happens regularly, particularly at night, it might be wise to see a doctor.
2. Smelly breathPlenty of festive foods can give you bad breath.
But a strange oral smell is also common in diabetes sufferers.
Depending on its exact cause, it can smell like anything from rotten eggs or apples to sweet pear drops.
Others compare the odour to acetone or nail varnish remover.
3. Being unusually thirstyFeeling excessively thirsty is common after a heavy Christmas night out, but it is also a key indicator of diabetes.
It's a result of the blood sugar imbalance caused by the condition.
4. TirednessWith all the parties and family gatherings, it's easy to feel exhausted around Christmas.
But extreme fatigue could suggest something more serious is going on.
While your tiredness could have many causes, it might be worth speaking to your GP about whether diabetes could be behind it.
5. Cuts taking longer to healIf cut yourself while chopping vegetables or wrapping presents and the wound takes longer than normal to heal, that could be another sign you may have diabetes.
When the condition is uncontrolled, it can cause blood to move more slowly, making it tricky for the body to deliver nutrients to wounds.
As a result, injuries can heal more slowly than usual, or not at all.
6. DizzinessDizziness is a classic Christmas hangover symptom.
But it is also reported by many people with diabetes because of low or high blood sugar and dehydration.
7. Aggression, irritability and impatienceResearch suggests blood sugar changes can significantly impact your mood.
Therefore, some people with diabetes, whether diagnosed or not, experience irritability, aggression or impatience.
Spending time with your in-laws can definitely bring this on over the dinner table, but if it is particularly out of character for you or happens regularly, consider speaking to a healthcare professional.
Whether diabetes or not, there could be a simple explanation - and solution.
8. Nervousness or anxietyAnxiety symptoms may be mistaken for symptoms of low blood sugar, and vice versa.
For example, a pounding heart, confusion, shaking, sweating, dizziness, headache, and nausea are symptoms of both hypoglycaemia and panic attacks.
Research suggests that anxiety affects about 40 per cent of people with diabetes.
9. Weight loss without tryingMost people stuff their faces over Christmas, and their clothes feel a little tighter come January.
So if you find your jeans actually seem looser in the New Year, it could be worth getting checked out.
Diabetes can cause rapid weight loss because when you lose sugar through frequent urination, you also lose calories.
This, along with dehydration, can trigger weight loss.
Other common diabetes symptoms, less specific to the festive period, are:
Some people are more at risk than others.
Dr Patel said: "Generally, people who are overweight or obese are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
"Specifically, people with an unhealthy waistline measurement and those who store too much fat around their pancreas and liver can be at high risk.
"Certain ethnicities also have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
"People from Black African, African Caribbean and South Asian backgrounds are generally at a higher risk."
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to get them checked by a doctor.
"Diabetes can be very dangerous if it goes untreated," Dr Patel said.
"Most complications build up over time but others can present at any point."
Diabetes complications include:
But if your diabetes is properly managed, you should be able to live a healthy and normal life, Dr Patel added.
You can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes by choosing a healthy lifestyle.
"One of the biggest factors that can help is losing weight," Dr Patel said.
"This can be done through increasing your physical activity and eating healthier balanced meals.
"If your waist size is over 31.5in for a woman or 37in for a man, you may want to consider losing weight to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
Read more on the Irish Sun"Two other key lifestyle improvements that can help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes are quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol.
"Both smoking and excessive drinking have been linked to increased risk of developing the disease and smoking has been shown to increase the risk of complications if you do develop type 2 diabetes."
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