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Writer's pictureNivine El Alami

Insulin Resistance: An Early Indicator of your Metabolic Health

Insulin resistance is a condition where the body's cells - in muscles, fat, and the liver - become less responsive to the hormone insulin. Insulin is crucial for regulating blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, where it is used for energy. When cells are insulin resistant, they do not respond effectively to insulin, resulting in higher blood glucose levels. Over time, the pancreas compensates by producing more insulin, leading to hyperinsulinemia. If this compensatory mechanism fails, it can result in type 2 diabetes.


Persistent high blood glucose levels – due to insulin resistance or eventually diabetes type 2 - can damage various tissues and organs, leading to complications such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, and kidney failure.

People with one of these conditions are at a higher risk of having insulin resistance:

·         Obesity

·         Physical inactivity

·         Genetic predisposition

·         Certain medical conditions like Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in women

To check if a person has insulin resistance, healthcare professionals use the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA). HOMA is a method used to quantify insulin resistance. It is calculated using fasting blood glucose and insulin levels. The HOMA model, developed in the 1980s, provides a simple and non-invasive way to assess insulin sensitivity.

HOMA Formula: HOMA-IR=Fasting Insulin (μU/mL)×Fasting Glucose (mg/dL)

                                                               

HOMA Interpretation:

HOMA-IR (Insulin Resistance): Higher values indicate greater insulin resistance. A HOMA-IR value above 2.5-3.0 is generally considered indicative of insulin resistance, though exact cut-off points can vary depending on the population and specific study criteria.

Treatment of insulin resistance involves:

  • Losing weight for overweight persons following a healthy meal plan including fiber, complex carbohydrates and lean proteins mainly

  • Exercising regularly, including weightlifting exercises at least twice a week

  • Including antioxidants in one's diet


Understanding insulin resistance and using the HOMA marker can help identify individuals at risk for metabolic disorders early. This can lead to proactive management strategies, including lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and possibly medication to improve insulin sensitivity.


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