Insulin Resistance... The Silent Condition

Insulin resistance is one of the symptoms of metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes and ultimately type 2 diabetes.

But what is insulin resistance? How do you know you have it? Well, that's the hard part. Insulin resistance very often doesn't have any symptoms. It's possible to be insulin resistant and not know it.

The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) provides information about insulin resistance.

"Insulin resistance and pre-diabetes usually have no symptoms. You may have one or both conditions for several years without noticing anything. If you have a severe form of insulin resistance, you may get dark patches of skin, usually on the back of your neck. Sometimes people get a dark ring around their neck. Other possible sites for these dark patches include elbows, knees, knuckles, and armpits. This condition is called acanthosis nigricans. If you have a mild or moderate form of insulin resistance, blood tests may show normal or high blood glucose and high levels of insulin at the same time."

One of the causes of insulin resistance is excess weight, especially around the midsection. If you have an "apple-shape" and are overweight, it's a good idea to see your doctor and ask to be checked for insulin resistance.

Photo by Victor Maltby