Causes

• There are a variety of contributing factors to acquiring insulin resistance including genetics. Other factors include obesity, stress, pregnancy, being inactive and having metabolic syndrome or cardiovascular disease.
  
  

Medical Conditions

• Insulin resistance is associated with other medical conditions such as pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome. These conditions increase the risk of insulin resistance becoming type 2 diabetes. Risk factors include a waist measurement of over 40 inches in men and over 35 inches in women, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and a glucose reading greater than 100.
  
  

Symptoms

• Most people exhibit no symptoms of insulin resistance, but those with severe forms of the disorder may have symptoms such as dark patches of skin on the back of the neck or a dark ring around the neck. Dark patches may also be seen on knees, elbows, armpits and knuckles.
  
  

Diagnosis

• A fasting blood glucose test will be taken to check for abnormal readings. You refrain from eating for eight hours, then blood is taken and tested. A blood glucose reading of 100 to125 is considered high and is in the pre-diabetes range. A glucose tolerance test involves eight hour fasting and then drinking a sweet liquid provided by your doctor. Two hours after drinking the liquid, blood is drawn for testing. A level between 140 and 199 is high, but still considered insulin resistant or pre-diabetic.
  
  

Insulin Resistant Management

• Losing weight and becoming more active will slow or prevent insulin resistance from becoming type 2 diabetes. Limit intake of foods, such as white breads, unrefined sugars, corn, pototoes, bagels, doughnuts and chips, with a high glycemic index that raises blood sugar levels rapidly. Foods low in the glycemic index include high fiber foods such as whole-grain breads, brown rice, broccoli, green beans, carrots and asparagus. Losing approximately 10 percent of your body weight and incorporating 30 minutes of moderate activity into your daily schedule may reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. Stop smoking as it can increase the risk of insulin resistance. As with all changes in exercise or diet, consult your doctor first.