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Insulin Resistance

Insulin Resistance Overview

Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the beta cells found in the pancreas. Insulin is an important hormone that has many actions within the body including those involved in metabolism (control) of carbohydrates (sugars and starches), lipids (fats), and proteins.

When insulin resistance develops, tissues in the body – particularly muscle and fat tissues- do not respond appropriately to insulin. In fact, more insulin is needed to elicit the same response from these tissues. As a result, higher levels of insulin are needed in order for insulin to continue to exert its physiologic effect.

Insulin Resistance Causes

There are many causes of insulin resistance, including a strong association with genetics (an inherited component). In addition, insulin resistance is often associated with the following conditions:



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Insulin Resistance

Diabetes »

Diabetes Overview

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a set of related diseases in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar (specifically, glucose) in the blood.

Glucose in the blood gives you energy to perform daily activities, walk briskly, run for a bus, ride your bike, take an  aerobic exercise class, and perform your day-to-day chores.

  • From the foods you eat, glucose in the blood is produced by the liver (an organ on the right side of the abdomen near your stomach).

  • In a healthy person, the blood glucose level is regulated by several hormones, including insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas, a small organ between the stomach and liver. The pancreas secretes other important enzymes that help to digest food.

  • Insulin allows glucose to move from the blood into liver, muscle, and fat cells, where it is used for fuel.

  • People with diabetes either do not pro...

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