Insulin is a hormone produced by beta cells in the pancreas and plays an important role in the human body.

The main function of insulin is to transport glucose into cells to obtain energy, which is necessary for the normal body functioning.

Insulin resistance is a pathological condition in which the cells of the body become resistant to insulin, the main regulator of blood glucose levels, although in fact there is sufficient amount of hormone.

When insulin fails to transport glucose to cells, it gradually begins to accumulate in the blood.

Since glucose is not absorbed, insulin signals liver and muscle cells to store excess sugar as glycogen for energy.

Excess glucose begins to turn into fat. This leads to weight gain and persistently high blood sugar levels.

The main risk factors for developing insulin resistance:

• polycystic ovary syndrome;
• overweight or obesity;
• eating foods containing large amounts of simple carbohydrates;
• insufficient physical activity;
• chronic stress;
• Cushing’s syndrome or disease;
• long-term use of steroids.

It is recommend consulting an endocrinologist if you observe such symptoms as:

• excessive waist circumference: more than 102 cm for men and 88 cm for women (abdominal obesity);
• dark spots on skin folds (acanthosis nigricans);
• elevated blood pressure (more than 140/90 mmHg);
• lipid disorder (high cholesterol);
• constant fatigue;
• increased appetite.

Untimely diagnosis and treatment of this condition can lead to a disease such as prediabetes, and later to type 2 diabetes mellitus.