Insulin Resistance

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• Insulin Resistance Overview
• Insulin Resistance Causes
• Insulin Resistance Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Insulin Resistance Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medication
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Author and Editor
• Viewer Comments: Insulin Resistance - Describe Your Experience

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:

• infection or severe illness,
  
  
• the metabolic syndrome,
  
  
• obesity,
  
  
• pregnancy,
  
  
• steroid use and with other medications, and
  
  
• stress.

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Insulin Resistance - Describe Your Experience

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