Insulin resistance is a widespread, yet most frequently overlooked condition, in which body’s cell fail to react normally to insulin, a hormone that has the job of moving glucose (sugar) into our blood stream and then the cells utilise it for energy. When this function becomes sluggish, glucose accumulates in the blood and then the cells do not have enough energy to operate, resulting in high blood sugar levels and heart diseases as well.Dr. Priyanka Sherawat, Neurologist at AIIMS Delhi, describes how insulin resistance is where ” your cells are not responding to insulin”. Insulin is important because it helps in glucose metabolism, by transporting glucose from the bloodstream directly into the cells. If this process fails, the glucose sticks around in the bloodstream, leading to elevated blood sugar levels, while the cells do not get enough energy they need.
2 prominent indications of insulin resistance
An early sign of insulin resistance as per Dr. Sherawat points out, is a condition known as acanthosis nigricans- a dark, velvety pigmentation of the skin frequently noticed on the back of the neck. Dr. Sherawat says, “this black sign on your neck is a very strong predictor of insulin resistance”. Indicating that urgent need of medical consultation and avoid additional complications.Another significant indicator is metabolic syndrome, defined by Dr. Sherawat as a cluster of risk factors that raise the odds of heart diseases and stroke.Metabolic syndrome is considered diagnosed if an individual has three or more of the following five:
- High blood pressure
- High fasting blood sugar
- Rising triglycerides (150 mg/dL or higher)
- Low HDL cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dL in men, less than 50 mg/dL in women)
Abdominal obesity , defined by a waist measurement of more than 40 inches (102 cm) in men and more than 35 inches (88 cm) in women
Dr. Sherawat clarifies that the presence of three or more of these signs (for a long term) means one has a heart attack, stroke or heart health risk.Abdominal obesity is especially relevant, having stubborn fat around belly region is associated with high insulin resistance and metabolic disorders.
Solutions: How to improve insulin sensitivity
The good news is that insulin resistance can be controlled and even reversed with proper lifestyle modifications. According to Dr. Sherawat, the most effective and cost-effective measure is regular aerobic exercise. She stresses that “walking or aerobics is something that can prevent or reduce insulin resistance very quickly by diminishing all the risk factors for insulin resistance.” Exercise allows muscles to take up glucose more effectively, reduces blood pressure, enhances cholesterol levels, and decreases belly fat.
When to seek medical advice
If one observes symptoms like dark spots on neck, wider waistline or have been diagnosed with any of the metabolic indicators mentioned above, approach a physician immediately. Silent insulin resistance usually goes unnoticed until extensive damage has been done. Regular aerobic exercise, combined with healthy lifestyle modifications can significantly enhance the insulin sensitivity in the body.As Dr. Sherawat suggests, “If you have these markers in your cells, please consult a general physician or an endocrinologist” for proper assessment and timely intervention.
