10 Early Warning Signs of Insulin Resistance You Shouldn’t Ignore

# 10 Early Warning Signs of Insulin Resistance You Shouldn’t Ignore The human body experiences insulin resistance when its cells develop resistance to the hormone called insulin which controls blood sugar levels. The pancreas produces extra insulin to keep blood sugar levels stable when your body becomes resistant to insulin. The body develops insulin resistance through this process which leads to prediabetes and eventually Type 2 diabetes. The detection of insulin resistance at its initial stage enables people to start prevention measures which defend their body from future harm. Here are 10 early warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.## 1. Increased Hunger and Cravings When your cells are resistant to insulin, they don’t get the glucose they need for energy, even if there’s plenty of it in your bloodstream. The body responds to fast food consumption by activating hunger signals which create a sense of hunger even when you have recently eaten. Your body will develop intense cravings for sugar and carbohydrates because it believes it needs extra fuel. [1] [4]## 2. Unexplained Weight Gain, Especially Around the Waist The presence of insulin resistance leads to weight gain that primarily affects the visceral fat tissue which surrounds the organs in the abdominal region. A waistline over 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women is a key indicator of insulin resistance. [2] [3] This is because high insulin levels can promote fat storage, making it difficult to lose weight.## 3. Constant Fatigue or Low Energy If you often feel tired, sluggish, or experience a midday slump, it could be a sign of insulin resistance. The body shows fatigue symptoms because cells do not receive adequate glucose for energy production even when people get enough sleep. [5] [8]## 4. Frequent Thirst and Urination The body requires additional kidney function to eliminate excess blood sugar which results from insulin resistance. Your body will attempt to remove the extra sugar through increased thirst and more frequent urination. [1] [9]## 5. Skin Changes: Skin Tags and Dark Patches Insulin resistance can sometimes manifest on your skin. The skin develops small soft growths which appear as skin tags. The skin develops acanthosis nigricans as dark velvety patches which typically show up in the neck area and underarms and groin region. [11]##6. High Blood Pressure Insulin resistance forms part of metabolic syndrome which consists of multiple health conditions that raise the likelihood of developing heart disease and stroke and Type 2 diabetes. The syndrome shows high blood pressure readings at 130/80 mmHg or higher which frequently occurs together with insulin resistance. [2]##7. Blurred Vision Your eyes develop temporary blurred vision because high blood sugar causes swelling of the lenses inside your eyes. The condition indicates advanced insulin resistance or prediabetes but it serves as a vital indication which people need to recognize. [1]##8. Headaches Blood sugar fluctuations generate headache symptoms in specific people. Your body could be producing headaches after you eat because of its current glucose management system. [4]##9. Brain Fog and Difficulty Concentrating Your brain depends on a constant flow of glucose to work at its best. The disruption of blood flow to your brain by insulin resistance leads to symptoms such as brain fog and problems with concentration and memory. [14]##10. Hair Loss Some sources mention insulin resistance as a cause for hair loss in women although this condition occurs rarely. The hormonal changes that result from insulin resistance might explain this condition. [11]##What to Do If You Suspect Insulin Resistance If you are showing multiple symptoms you should see your doctor immediately. The medical facility will perform basic blood tests to determine your fasting glucose and insulin levels. The good news is that insulin resistance can often be improved or even reversed with lifestyle changes, including: * **A healthy diet:** Choose unprocessed whole foods while reducing your consumption of sugars and processed carbohydrates. * **Regular exercise:** Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. * **Weight management:** Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly improve insulin sensitivity. * **Stress management:** Chronic stress can worsen insulin resistance, so find healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature. The identification of early warning signs enables people to stop diabetes progression while protecting their health from future harm.### References[1] Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). *Insulin Resistance: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment*. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22206-insulin-resistance[2] WebMD. (2024, April 22). *Insulin Resistance: Symptoms, Causes, Tests, and Treatment*. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/insulin-resistance-syndrome[3] Mayo Clinic. (2023, November 11). *Prediabetes – Symptoms and causes*. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prediabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355278[4] St. Vincent’s Health System. (2024, February 2). *5 Signs of Insulin Resistance*. Retrieved from https://stvincents.org/about-us/news-press/news-detail?articleId=53486[5] Brevard Health Alliance. (2023, November 15). *How to Tell If You’re Insulin-Resistant: Essential Guide*. Retrieved from https://www.brevardhealth.org/blog/how-to-tell-if-youre-insulin-resistant/[8] Dr. Tsoukalas. (n.d.). *8 Common Health Problems Due to Insulin Resistance*. Retrieved from https://www.drtsoukalas.com/8_common_health_problems_due_to_insulin_resistance-lp-25.html[9] Healthline. (2023, November 28). *Insulin Resistance: What It Is, Symptoms, and More*. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/insulin-resistance-symptoms[11] Veri. (n.d.). *4 Surprising Symptoms of Insulin Resistance*. Retrieved from https://www.veri.co/learn/lesser-known-insulin-resistance-symptoms[14] EatingWell. (2024, April 1). *Insulin Resistance Symptoms: 5 Signs & What to Do About It*. Retrieved from https://www.eatingwell.com/insulin-resistance-symptoms-8611181