Does insulin resistance cause diabetes?
Based on Science
Insulin resistance can--but not necessarily--lead to type 2 diabetes. However, it is possible to reverse insulin resistance before you develop diabetes.
Last update September, 3 2021
Insulin resistance can lead to diabetes.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your body turn food (specifically sugars) into energy. Insulin resistance is when the muscle, fat, and liver cells in your body have difficulty using insulin to absorb sugar from your blood. Your body has a well-controlled system to make and use insulin. Insulin resistance disrupts this fine control. At some point, this disruption causes higher blood sugar levels and may cause type 2 diabetes.
Anyone can have insulin resistance, but some people are more likely to get it. Scientists are not sure what causes insulin resistance, but obesity (especially excess fat around your midsection), inadequate physical activity, smoking, some medications, and, in some cases, problems with one’s immune system are thought to play a role.
It is possible to reverse insulin resistance and avoid diabetes.
Some factors related to insulin resistance are outside of your control, such as your genes, race or ethnicity, age, and family medical history. However, you can help reverse insulin resistance by maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, and getting enough exercise. These steps can help your body become more sensitive to insulin so that your cells will remove sugars from your blood more effectively.
Over time, these steps can help you avoid or delay developing type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is also linked to high blood pressure, cholesterol problems, and cardiovascular disease, so reversing insulin resistance is important to your overall health in addition to preventing or delaying diabetes.
