5 Signs Your Insulin Resistance Is Improving

5 Signs Your Insulin Resistance Is Improving You have been making an effort to reverse insulin resistance through diet and exercise and other lifestyle changes so you want to see proof of your progress. Your doctor will provide you with the most reliable indicators yet you can observe multiple positive changes in your daily routine which show improved insulin sensitivity. Your body develops insulin resistance when it fails to properly respond to insulin hormone which causes blood sugar levels to rise and creates multiple health problems. The path to better health for the long term includes this achievement as a key milestone. The following five indicators show that your work to reduce insulin resistance has started to produce results. 1. Weight Loss, Especially Around Your Waist People who become more sensitive to insulin develop a noticeable belly fat reduction which stands as their most obvious visible sign of progress. Excess visceral fat—the fat stored around your abdominal organs—is a major contributor to insulin resistance. Your body achieves better blood sugar regulation and fat burning for energy through improved insulin sensitivity of your cells. The process leads to natural weight loss and a reduced waist size. Weight loss of 5-7% of your body weight produces major enhancements in insulin sensitivity. [2] 2. More Stable Energy Levels Throughout the DayDo you remember the energy slumps you used to feel, especially after a carb-heavy meal? The body develops insulin resistance which prevents it from transferring glucose from the blood to cells for energy production. The combination of high blood sugar levels with sudden drops in sugar levels results in exhaustion and laziness. Your body develops better blood sugar control through the process of improved insulin sensitivity. The body uses glucose as fuel which results in consistent and extended energy throughout the day. You’ll likely notice you no longer feel the need for a post-lunch nap and can power through your afternoons with greater vitality. [3] 3. Reduced Cravings for Sugar and Carbohydrates Intense cravings for sugary or high-carb foods are a classic symptom of insulin resistance. Your brain will generate strong hunger signals for fast energy foods because your cells receive no energy since glucose cannot enter them which leads to a continuous loop. The body shows signs of healing through reduced cravings for these substances. Your cells receive fuel through insulin response which reduces the need for sugar. Your body will accept eating fewer portions while your sweet cravings will decrease. [4] 4. Better Blood Sugar and Lab Results Your laboratory test results will serve as the most reliable proof of your progress. The following biomarkers will show improvement when you successfully reverse your insulin resistance: Your morning blood sugar readings will start to fall into a healthier range. Your A1c which shows your blood sugar average over three months will decrease which shows improved long-term blood sugar control. The body shows signs of insulin resistance through its link to high triglyceride levels and low HDL cholesterol. The process of improving insulin sensitivity leads to decreased triglyceride levels while raising HDL cholesterol levels. [5] The numbers moving in the right direction shows that your lifestyle changes produce strong positive effects on your metabolic health. 5. More Regular Menstrual Cycles (for Women)Insulin resistance commonly occurs in women who have PCOS which leads to hormonal imbalances in their bodies. High insulin levels can disrupt normal ovulation, leading to irregular or absent periods. [6] As insulin sensitivity improves and insulin levels normalize, hormonal balance is often restored. The first indication of this condition for many women appears when their menstrual cycles become regular and predictable again. The recovery of hormonal system function in your body produces this strong response. [7] The Bottom Line Reversing insulin resistance is a journey, not a sprint. The signs of success will help you stay motivated because they prove your efforts are producing actual results. Celebrate these victories—from a looser waistband to more stable energy—as they are all milestones on your path to better health. Your healthcare provider will track your progress while making necessary adjustments to your plan. The development of type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases becomes less likely when you maintain regular exercise and follow a healthy lifestyle. The references and further reading section includes information about the following sources: Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Insulin Resistance. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Insulin Resistance & Prediabetes. Brevard Health Alliance. (2023, November 15). How to Tell If You’re Insulin-Resistant: Essential Guide. MD Anderson Cancer Center. (2025, February 26). What’s the best diet for insulin resistance? Verywell Health. (n.d.). Insulin Sensitivity: What’s Low, High, and Normal? Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Niu, J., Lu, M., & Liu, B. (2023). Association between insulin resistance and abnormal menstrual cycle in Chinese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Journal of Ovarian Research, 16(1), 34.