Insulin resistance is a condition when the body does make insulin, but the cells don’t permit transfer of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells, and are ‘resistant’ to the action of insulin.This condition is associated with diabetes, and predates it by few years.

If we can identify that we have Insulin Resistance, and treat it, it stands to reason that we can avoid developing full-blown diabetes.

So how do we know we have insulin resistance?  

If we have

– sugar craving

– irritability, dizziness in case of delayed meals

– sleepiness after a meal

– polycystic ovaries or infertility

– waist-hip ratio > 0.8 females or > 0.9 men

– chronic fungal infections.

Also, if we have family history of diabetes or history of gestational diabetes, we are likely to have insulin resistance.

How do we confirm / refute the suspicion?

A simple blood test will do it. Check the fasting Serum Insulin level in the blood. Any lab will do it. It should be between 2 ad 5, as explained in the post, ‘Diabetes‘. If it is higher, then you are insulin resistant, and at risk for developing diabetes.

What to do?

Are we condemned to developing the illness, with subsequent risk of complications? Emphatically no. If we follow the diet suggestions in the post, ‘What should I eat‘, and follow a regular exercise plan, we can virtually be safe. This does not mean that a doctor’s advice is no longer required, but it does mean that we can take responsibility for our health.

Stay Healthy!

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