Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinition and Role in MetabolismContributing FactorsSymptomsDiangosisSelf-CareTreatmentTips to Reduce Risk
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Definition and Role in Metabolism
Contributing Factors
Symptoms
Diangosis
Self-Care
Treatment
Tips to Reduce Risk
Insulin resistance indicates that your body struggles to manage your blood sugar levels. Left untreated, this can lead to several health problems, includingtype 2 diabetes. But how can you tell whether you have insulin resistance, and what can you do to improve insulin sensitivity?
This article examines insulin sensitivity, including factors involved, potential symptoms, and how to manage it to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
How to Reverse Insulin Resistance: 8 Ways to Improve
Defining Insulin Sensitivity and Role in Metabolism
Insulin sensitivity refers to your body’s ability to effectively respond to insulin, an essential hormone in regulating blood sugar levels.
When you eat, your body digests carbohydrates intoglucose(sugar) molecules, which enter your bloodstream. To lower your blood sugar, yourpancreas—an organ that supports digestion and hormones—releases insulin. The insulin travels to your blood, where it helps move sugar molecules into your cells. From there, sugar is transported to tissues and organs throughout your body, which it can use for energy. This results in lowered blood sugar.
This process is critical for keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range. However, when you have insulin resistance, your cells become less responsive to insulin signals, impairing the process of moving sugar from blood to cells. In other words, sugar molecules remain in the blood longer than they should, prolonging high blood sugar levels.
Insulin resistance or low insulin sensitivity occurs when your body is stuck in a loop of high insulin levels and ineffective blood sugar regulation. Over time, this can contribute to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, heart-related problems, and other health complications.
What Is Insulin?
Low vs. High Insulin SensitivityLow insulin sensitivity is when your cells have a reduced response to insulin, leading to impaired glucose uptake, higher insulin levels in the blood, and an increased risk of metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes.High insulin sensitivity is when your cells respond normally to insulin, facilitating glucose uptake, keeping your blood sugar levels stable, and reducing the risk of health complications.
Low vs. High Insulin Sensitivity
Low insulin sensitivity is when your cells have a reduced response to insulin, leading to impaired glucose uptake, higher insulin levels in the blood, and an increased risk of metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes.High insulin sensitivity is when your cells respond normally to insulin, facilitating glucose uptake, keeping your blood sugar levels stable, and reducing the risk of health complications.
Low insulin sensitivity is when your cells have a reduced response to insulin, leading to impaired glucose uptake, higher insulin levels in the blood, and an increased risk of metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes.
High insulin sensitivity is when your cells respond normally to insulin, facilitating glucose uptake, keeping your blood sugar levels stable, and reducing the risk of health complications.
Factors Affecting Insulin Sensitivity
Many factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and medical conditions, can influence insulin sensitivity. Some common factors that can play a role include:
Hyperinsulinema (High Insulin Levels)
Symptoms of Low Insulin Sensitivity
Symptoms of low insulin sensitivity or diabetes can show up in many ways, such as:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns about your metabolic health, speak with a healthcare provider. Left untreated, insulin resistance poses significant health risks.
It increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes as your pancreas struggles to produce enough insulin to overcome cellular resistance. It also increases your risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.Insulin resistance is also linked to obesity and various metabolic disorders like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and PCOS.
Signs in Someone Else
It can be easier to recognize signs of health problems in someone else than in yourself. If you notice physical symptoms in someone that may indicate insulin resistance, such as dark skin patches or changes in their appetite or bathroom habits, bring it to their attention lovingly and respectfully. Many people are unaware that they have insulin resistance or are on their way to developing type 2 diabetes.
Do I Have Low Insulin Sensitivity?
The only way to know if you have low insulin sensitivity is to see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis. In addition to a comprehensive physical exam, they will likely order tests to measure the glucose and insulin in your blood at various points of the day.
Fasting Insulin
Fasting insulin levels (meaning you haven’t eaten in at least eight to 12 hours) are measured after an overnight fast (sleeping) to evaluate how much insulin your body produces at baseline. Normal fasting insulin levels for individuals without diabetes typically range between 2 and 25 micro international units per milliliter (µIU/mL), but this can vary.
Glucose Tolerance Tests
Glucose tolerance testsinvolve measuring blood sugar levels before and after consuming a standardized glucose solution to assess how effectively the body clears glucose from the bloodstream.
Normal fasting blood sugar levels are generally less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Normal blood sugar two hours after consuming a meal (or a glucose solution in a glucose tolerance test) is typically less than 140 mg/dL.
Other Blood Markers
Sometimes, providers want additional markers of insulin sensitivity that can be measured with tests called the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) or the quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI). These use calculations based on fasting glucose and insulin levels to estimate insulin sensitivity.
Higher fasting insulin levels, impaired glucose tolerance, and elevated HOMA-IR or reduced QUICKI scores indicate low insulin sensitivity and may suggest an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Lower fasting insulin levels, standard glucose tolerance, and lower HOMA-IR or high QUICKI scores suggest better insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.
Insulin Resistance: How to Test and Manage Symptoms
Managing Insulin Sensitivity Through Self-Care
Your everyday lifestyle habits have the most significant impact on your insulin sensitivity. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is essential for your overall health. Still, the positive effects of this also trickle into details like your body’s ability to manage glucose and insulin.
Some of the best self-care habits for insulin sensitivity include:
How Do Different Types of Insulin Work?
How to Medically Treat Insulin Sensitivity
Medicallytreatinginsulin sensitivity often involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and medications to improve glucose regulation and metabolic health.
Commonly prescribed medications for insulin resistance can include:
Each of these medications has its own set of potential side effects. Some of these include digestive upset, unwanted weight gain, fluid retention, and an increased risk of heart failure.
In cases of severe insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, insulin injections may also be necessary to supplement your natural insulin production and improve blood sugar management.
Work with your healthcare provider to determine whether you need medical intervention for insulin sensitivity.
Tips for People With Increased Risk Factors
The best thing you can do if you’re at an increased risk of insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes is to be proactive. Identify areas where you can make lifestyle adjustments to support your overall health better.
Get regular wellness exams and communicate with your provider should any questions, concerns, or changes in your health arise.
Summary
21 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Rahman MS, Hossain KS, Das S, et al.Role of insulin in health and disease: an update.Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(12):6403. doi:10.3390/ijms22126403Adeva-Andany MM, Martínez-Rodríguez J, González-Lucán M, et al.Insulin resistance is a cardiovascular risk factor in humans.Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2019;13(2):1449-1455. doi:10.1016/j.dsx.2019.02.023Freeman AM, Acevedo LA, Pennings N.Insulin resistance. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; August 17, 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29939616/Muniyappa R, Madan R, Varghese RT.Assessing insulin sensitivity and resistance in humans.[Updated 2021 Aug 9]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278954/Wondmkun YT.Obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes: associations and therapeutic implications.Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2020;13:3611-3616. doi:10.2147/DMSO.S275898Singh T, Ahmed TH, Mohamed N, et al.Does insufficient sleep increase the risk of developing insulin resistance: a systematic review.Cureus. 2022;14(3):e23501. doi:10.7759/cureus.23501Adam TC, Hasson RE, Ventura EE, et al.Cortisol is negatively associated with insulin sensitivity in overweight Latino youth.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(10):4729-4735. doi:10.1210/jc.2010-0322Zhao H, Zhang J, Cheng X, et al.Insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome across various tissues: an updated review of pathogenesis, evaluation, and treatment.J Ovarian Res. 2023;16(1):9. doi:10.1186/s13048-022-01091-0Aberer F, Hochfellner DA, Sourij H, Mader JK.A practical guide for the management of steroid induced hyperglycaemia in the hospital.J Clin Med. 2021;10(10):2154. doi:10.3390/jcm10102154Vanni R, Bussuan RM, Rombaldi RL, Arbex AK.Endocrine disruptors and the induction of insulin resistance.Curr Diabetes Rev. 2021;17(7):e102220187107. doi:10.2174/1573399816666201022121254Goyal R, Singhal M, Jialal I.Type 2 diabetes. [Updated 2023 Jun 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls.Das A, Datta D, Kassir M, et al.Acanthosis nigricans: a review.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;19(8):1857-1865. doi:10.1111/jocd.13544MedlinePlus.Insulin in blood.Eyth E, Basit H, Swift CJ.Glucose tolerance test. [Updated 2023 Apr 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls PublishingRichter EA, Sylow L, Hargreaves M.Interactions between insulin and exercise.Biochem J. 2021;478(21):3827-3846. doi:10.1042/BCJ20210185Chaput JP, Dutil C, Featherstone R, et al.Sleep duration and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2020;45(10 (Suppl. 2)):S218-S231. doi:10.1139/apnm-2020-0034Lee SH, Park SY, Choi CS.Insulin resistance: from mechanisms to therapeutic strategies.Diabetes Metab J. 2022;46(1):15-37. doi:10.4093/dmj.2021.0280Eggleton JS, Jialal I.Thiazolidinediones. [Updated 2023 Feb 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls PublishingAschner P.Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes.Am J Ther. 2020;27(1):e79-e90. doi:10.1097/MJT.0000000000001088Andersson DP, Kerr AG, Dahlman I, et al.Relationship between a sedentary lifestyle and adipose insulin resistance.Diabetes.2023; 72(3):316–325. doi.org/10.2337/db22-0612Mirabelli M, Russo D, Brunetti A.The role of diet on insulin sensitivity. Nutrients. 2020;12(10):3042. Published 2020 Oct 4. doi:10.3390/nu12103042
21 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Rahman MS, Hossain KS, Das S, et al.Role of insulin in health and disease: an update.Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(12):6403. doi:10.3390/ijms22126403Adeva-Andany MM, Martínez-Rodríguez J, González-Lucán M, et al.Insulin resistance is a cardiovascular risk factor in humans.Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2019;13(2):1449-1455. doi:10.1016/j.dsx.2019.02.023Freeman AM, Acevedo LA, Pennings N.Insulin resistance. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; August 17, 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29939616/Muniyappa R, Madan R, Varghese RT.Assessing insulin sensitivity and resistance in humans.[Updated 2021 Aug 9]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278954/Wondmkun YT.Obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes: associations and therapeutic implications.Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2020;13:3611-3616. doi:10.2147/DMSO.S275898Singh T, Ahmed TH, Mohamed N, et al.Does insufficient sleep increase the risk of developing insulin resistance: a systematic review.Cureus. 2022;14(3):e23501. doi:10.7759/cureus.23501Adam TC, Hasson RE, Ventura EE, et al.Cortisol is negatively associated with insulin sensitivity in overweight Latino youth.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(10):4729-4735. doi:10.1210/jc.2010-0322Zhao H, Zhang J, Cheng X, et al.Insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome across various tissues: an updated review of pathogenesis, evaluation, and treatment.J Ovarian Res. 2023;16(1):9. doi:10.1186/s13048-022-01091-0Aberer F, Hochfellner DA, Sourij H, Mader JK.A practical guide for the management of steroid induced hyperglycaemia in the hospital.J Clin Med. 2021;10(10):2154. doi:10.3390/jcm10102154Vanni R, Bussuan RM, Rombaldi RL, Arbex AK.Endocrine disruptors and the induction of insulin resistance.Curr Diabetes Rev. 2021;17(7):e102220187107. doi:10.2174/1573399816666201022121254Goyal R, Singhal M, Jialal I.Type 2 diabetes. [Updated 2023 Jun 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls.Das A, Datta D, Kassir M, et al.Acanthosis nigricans: a review.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;19(8):1857-1865. doi:10.1111/jocd.13544MedlinePlus.Insulin in blood.Eyth E, Basit H, Swift CJ.Glucose tolerance test. [Updated 2023 Apr 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls PublishingRichter EA, Sylow L, Hargreaves M.Interactions between insulin and exercise.Biochem J. 2021;478(21):3827-3846. doi:10.1042/BCJ20210185Chaput JP, Dutil C, Featherstone R, et al.Sleep duration and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2020;45(10 (Suppl. 2)):S218-S231. doi:10.1139/apnm-2020-0034Lee SH, Park SY, Choi CS.Insulin resistance: from mechanisms to therapeutic strategies.Diabetes Metab J. 2022;46(1):15-37. doi:10.4093/dmj.2021.0280Eggleton JS, Jialal I.Thiazolidinediones. [Updated 2023 Feb 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls PublishingAschner P.Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes.Am J Ther. 2020;27(1):e79-e90. doi:10.1097/MJT.0000000000001088Andersson DP, Kerr AG, Dahlman I, et al.Relationship between a sedentary lifestyle and adipose insulin resistance.Diabetes.2023; 72(3):316–325. doi.org/10.2337/db22-0612Mirabelli M, Russo D, Brunetti A.The role of diet on insulin sensitivity. Nutrients. 2020;12(10):3042. Published 2020 Oct 4. doi:10.3390/nu12103042
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Rahman MS, Hossain KS, Das S, et al.Role of insulin in health and disease: an update.Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(12):6403. doi:10.3390/ijms22126403Adeva-Andany MM, Martínez-Rodríguez J, González-Lucán M, et al.Insulin resistance is a cardiovascular risk factor in humans.Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2019;13(2):1449-1455. doi:10.1016/j.dsx.2019.02.023Freeman AM, Acevedo LA, Pennings N.Insulin resistance. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; August 17, 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29939616/Muniyappa R, Madan R, Varghese RT.Assessing insulin sensitivity and resistance in humans.[Updated 2021 Aug 9]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278954/Wondmkun YT.Obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes: associations and therapeutic implications.Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2020;13:3611-3616. doi:10.2147/DMSO.S275898Singh T, Ahmed TH, Mohamed N, et al.Does insufficient sleep increase the risk of developing insulin resistance: a systematic review.Cureus. 2022;14(3):e23501. doi:10.7759/cureus.23501Adam TC, Hasson RE, Ventura EE, et al.Cortisol is negatively associated with insulin sensitivity in overweight Latino youth.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(10):4729-4735. doi:10.1210/jc.2010-0322Zhao H, Zhang J, Cheng X, et al.Insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome across various tissues: an updated review of pathogenesis, evaluation, and treatment.J Ovarian Res. 2023;16(1):9. doi:10.1186/s13048-022-01091-0Aberer F, Hochfellner DA, Sourij H, Mader JK.A practical guide for the management of steroid induced hyperglycaemia in the hospital.J Clin Med. 2021;10(10):2154. doi:10.3390/jcm10102154Vanni R, Bussuan RM, Rombaldi RL, Arbex AK.Endocrine disruptors and the induction of insulin resistance.Curr Diabetes Rev. 2021;17(7):e102220187107. doi:10.2174/1573399816666201022121254Goyal R, Singhal M, Jialal I.Type 2 diabetes. [Updated 2023 Jun 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls.Das A, Datta D, Kassir M, et al.Acanthosis nigricans: a review.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;19(8):1857-1865. doi:10.1111/jocd.13544MedlinePlus.Insulin in blood.Eyth E, Basit H, Swift CJ.Glucose tolerance test. [Updated 2023 Apr 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls PublishingRichter EA, Sylow L, Hargreaves M.Interactions between insulin and exercise.Biochem J. 2021;478(21):3827-3846. doi:10.1042/BCJ20210185Chaput JP, Dutil C, Featherstone R, et al.Sleep duration and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2020;45(10 (Suppl. 2)):S218-S231. doi:10.1139/apnm-2020-0034Lee SH, Park SY, Choi CS.Insulin resistance: from mechanisms to therapeutic strategies.Diabetes Metab J. 2022;46(1):15-37. doi:10.4093/dmj.2021.0280Eggleton JS, Jialal I.Thiazolidinediones. [Updated 2023 Feb 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls PublishingAschner P.Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes.Am J Ther. 2020;27(1):e79-e90. doi:10.1097/MJT.0000000000001088Andersson DP, Kerr AG, Dahlman I, et al.Relationship between a sedentary lifestyle and adipose insulin resistance.Diabetes.2023; 72(3):316–325. doi.org/10.2337/db22-0612Mirabelli M, Russo D, Brunetti A.The role of diet on insulin sensitivity. Nutrients. 2020;12(10):3042. Published 2020 Oct 4. doi:10.3390/nu12103042
Rahman MS, Hossain KS, Das S, et al.Role of insulin in health and disease: an update.Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(12):6403. doi:10.3390/ijms22126403
Adeva-Andany MM, Martínez-Rodríguez J, González-Lucán M, et al.Insulin resistance is a cardiovascular risk factor in humans.Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2019;13(2):1449-1455. doi:10.1016/j.dsx.2019.02.023
Freeman AM, Acevedo LA, Pennings N.Insulin resistance. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; August 17, 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29939616/
Muniyappa R, Madan R, Varghese RT.Assessing insulin sensitivity and resistance in humans.[Updated 2021 Aug 9]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278954/
Wondmkun YT.Obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes: associations and therapeutic implications.Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2020;13:3611-3616. doi:10.2147/DMSO.S275898
Singh T, Ahmed TH, Mohamed N, et al.Does insufficient sleep increase the risk of developing insulin resistance: a systematic review.Cureus. 2022;14(3):e23501. doi:10.7759/cureus.23501
Adam TC, Hasson RE, Ventura EE, et al.Cortisol is negatively associated with insulin sensitivity in overweight Latino youth.J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(10):4729-4735. doi:10.1210/jc.2010-0322
Zhao H, Zhang J, Cheng X, et al.Insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome across various tissues: an updated review of pathogenesis, evaluation, and treatment.J Ovarian Res. 2023;16(1):9. doi:10.1186/s13048-022-01091-0
Aberer F, Hochfellner DA, Sourij H, Mader JK.A practical guide for the management of steroid induced hyperglycaemia in the hospital.J Clin Med. 2021;10(10):2154. doi:10.3390/jcm10102154
Vanni R, Bussuan RM, Rombaldi RL, Arbex AK.Endocrine disruptors and the induction of insulin resistance.Curr Diabetes Rev. 2021;17(7):e102220187107. doi:10.2174/1573399816666201022121254
Goyal R, Singhal M, Jialal I.Type 2 diabetes. [Updated 2023 Jun 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls.
Das A, Datta D, Kassir M, et al.Acanthosis nigricans: a review.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;19(8):1857-1865. doi:10.1111/jocd.13544
MedlinePlus.Insulin in blood.
Eyth E, Basit H, Swift CJ.Glucose tolerance test. [Updated 2023 Apr 23]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing
Richter EA, Sylow L, Hargreaves M.Interactions between insulin and exercise.Biochem J. 2021;478(21):3827-3846. doi:10.1042/BCJ20210185
Chaput JP, Dutil C, Featherstone R, et al.Sleep duration and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2020;45(10 (Suppl. 2)):S218-S231. doi:10.1139/apnm-2020-0034
Lee SH, Park SY, Choi CS.Insulin resistance: from mechanisms to therapeutic strategies.Diabetes Metab J. 2022;46(1):15-37. doi:10.4093/dmj.2021.0280
Eggleton JS, Jialal I.Thiazolidinediones. [Updated 2023 Feb 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing
Aschner P.Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes.Am J Ther. 2020;27(1):e79-e90. doi:10.1097/MJT.0000000000001088
Andersson DP, Kerr AG, Dahlman I, et al.Relationship between a sedentary lifestyle and adipose insulin resistance.Diabetes.2023; 72(3):316–325. doi.org/10.2337/db22-0612
Mirabelli M, Russo D, Brunetti A.The role of diet on insulin sensitivity. Nutrients. 2020;12(10):3042. Published 2020 Oct 4. doi:10.3390/nu12103042
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