Definition:
Insulin resistance is the condition in which normal amounts of insulin are inadequate to produce a normal insulin response from fat, muscle and liver cells. Insulin resistance in fat cells reduces the effects of insulin and results in elevated hydrolysis of stored triglycerides in the absence of measures which either increase insulin sensitivity or which has additional insulin.
Diagnosis:
diagnosis of insulin resistance is not based on a measurement of insulin levels; this is because plasma insulin determinations done in commercial laboratories tend to be poorly standardized.
Treatment:
The primary treatment for insulin resistance is exercise and weight loss. In some individuals, a low-glycemic index or a low-carbohydrate diet can also help. Both metformin and the thiazolidinediones improve insulin resistance, but only approve therapies for type 2 diabetes, not insulin resistance, per se. By contrast, growth hormone replacement therapy can be associated with increased insulin resistance.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms of insulin resistance are; fatigue, Brain fogginess and inability to focus. Sometimes that fatigue is physical, but often mental. Low blood sugar, brief periods of low blood sugar are normal during the day, especially if meals are not eaten on a regular time.
Causes:
The cause of the vast majority of cases of insulin resistance remains unknown. However, there are some grounds for suspecting that insulin resistance is connected to a high-carbohydrate diet. Insulin resistance is also been linked to PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) as either causing it or being caused by it.
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