What is Insulin resistance?
{{Prose|date=June 2021}} '''Insulin resistance''' is a serious condition in which [[insulin]] becomes less able to lower the level of [[glucose]] ([[sugar]]) in the [[blood]]. Usually, insulin helps sugar move out of the blood and into the body's [[Cell|cells]]. In the cells, the body can [[Aerobic respiration|use sugar to make energy]]. If this does not happen correctly, too much sugar stays in the blood. This is called [[hyperglycemia]]. If the blood [[glucose]] level is above normal for a long time, this can lead to major health problems. Insulin resistance often causes certain types of [[diabetes mellitus]], especially [[type 2 diabetes]] or [[latent autoimmune diabetes]] of adults. A condition called '[[metabolic syndrome]]' is strongly tied to insulin resistance. == Signs and symptoms == # High [[blood sugar]] levels (hyperglycemia) # [[Fatigue]], and sleepiness, especially after meals. # [[Brain]] fogginess and inability to focus (can't think clearly). # Weight gain, fat storage, difficulty losing weight. # High [[blood pressure]] ([[hypertension]]) # Increased thirst (called [[polydipsia]]) and hunger (called polyphagia) == Treatment == ===Self-care=== # Eat less [[carbohydrate]]s, and very much less direct [[sugar]]. # Take more [[exercise]], long walks, activity. == Standard medical test == #Blood sugar level test after 12 hours [[starvation]]. {{biology-stub}} [[Category:Endocrine system]] [[Category:Diabetes mellitus]]