Insulin: Major Causes Of Resistance And Why

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows cells to absorb glucose, which is the body's preferred source of fuel. Insulin resistance occurs when cells do not properly absorb glucose, resulting in a buildup in the blood. If left untreated, insulin resistance may lead to prediabetes, a condition in which glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Here are some possible reasons why individuals with insulin resistance are not able to effectively use insulin.

How Resistance Develops

Insulin resistance may occur as a result of many risk factors, some of which are due to lifestyle habits and can be changed to prevent prediabetes. Other factors such as biochemical or genetic reasons are not as easy to change. A persistently high level of insulin over an extended period causes a decrease in the body's sensitivity to insulin, which results in insulin resistance. When cells are not able to absorb glucose, their primary source of energy, it causes an increased risk of many health problems.