The importance of insulin resistance
Insulin, a hormone crucial to the body’s use of glucose as an energy source, is essential for health. However, insulin resistance, a silent metabolic disorder, can have serious consequences if not detected and treated early. Often linked to type 2 diabetes, this condition goes much further, affecting millions of people around the world.
What is insulin resistance?
In insulin resistance, cells do not respond properly to this hormone, leading the body to produce more insulin to keep blood glucose levels within normal ranges. Over time, this extra effort can exhaust the pancreas and lead to type 2 diabetes.
Causes of insulin resistance
Several factors contribute to insulin resistance, including obesity, physical inactivity, genetics, diet, age, stress, infections, and pregnancy. These elements can trigger a decrease in insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of resistance.
Consequences and impact on health
Insulin resistance is not only associated with type 2 diabetes, but can also trigger serious conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, polycystic ovary syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and increase the risk of malignancies, among other effects. negative for health.
Detection and treatment
Early detection is essential to manage insulin resistance. Blood tests that assess glucose and insulin levels are key, and once detected, lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise and weight loss, are the first lines of defense. In more severe cases, medications to improve insulin sensitivity may be necessary.
