INSULIN RESISTANCE

Insulin resistance is a multifaceted condition influenced by factors such as excess fat, diet, and hormonal imbalances. It is often seen in conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease, and PCOS. In patients with insulin resistance, the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. Normally, insulin facilitates glucose entry into cells for energy, but in insulin resistance, this process falters, leaving glucose circulating in the bloodstream.

To manage blood sugar levels, the pancreas ramps up insulin production, a phenomenon known as hyperinsulinemia. However, this compensation has limits. Over time, the pancreas’s ability to keep blood sugar in check wanes, leading to elevated blood glucose levels—a harbinger of type 2 diabetes.

Excess fat, particularly in the liver and muscles, plays a significant role in driving insulin resistance. Fat accumulation in the liver disrupts glucose regulation, leading to high fasting blood sugar levels. In muscle tissue, which is a major consumer of glucose during physical activity, excess fat hinders insulin signaling, further reducing the cells' ability to absorb glucose.

The dangers of insulin resistance extend beyond diabetes. It is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and other metabolic disorders. Over time, chronic high insulin and blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and organs, contributing to these conditions. Moreover, insulin resistance is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and even certain cancers.

Insulin resistance can be quantified using the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), which is calculated using fasting insulin and glucose levels:

HOMA-IR= [Fasting Insulin(μU/mL) *Fasting Glucose(mg/dL)]/405

A higher HOMA-IR value indicates greater insulin resistance and an increased risk of metabolic disorders. You can calculate your HOMA-IR below:

Diet plays a crucial role in managing insulin resistance. Diets high in refined sugars and fats can exacerbate fat accumulation in the liver and muscles, worsening insulin resistance. Conversely, weight loss, particularly reducing liver fat, has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and can even reverse type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise also plays a pivotal role by enhancing muscle sensitivity to insulin, helping to mitigate insulin resistance.

As an expert in insulin resistance, Dr. Hasan offers patients personalized care that targets the underlying causes of this condition. His approach includes comprehensive lifestyle modifications, with tailored nutrition and physical activity plans aimed at reducing excess fat in the liver and muscles, which are key drivers of insulin resistance. In addition, Dr. Hasan prescribes medications that have been proven to improve insulin sensitivity, with the potential to reverse the condition.