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Insulin Resistance

Article Translations: (Spanish)

What Is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance happens when the body doesn't respond to the hormone insulin as it should, making it hard for glucose to get into cells. Glucose comes from food and is the body's main source of energy. Normally, insulin helps glucose enter the cells.

Insulin resistance can raise a child's risk for type 2 diabetes and other health problems. To help improve the body's response to insulin, doctors recommend that kids and teens:

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Insulin Resistance?

People with insulin resistance may have:

Other medical problems linked to insulin resistance and obesity include:

Who Gets Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance is most common in people who are overweight and have too much belly fat. Insulin resistance is also linked to some genetic syndromes, conditions that affect hormone levels and stress levels, and some medicines.

Obesity and insulin resistance tends to run in families. Other things that put someone at risk for insulin resistance include:

  • not being physically active
  • a high-carbohydrate diet
  • smoking

How Is Insulin Resistance Diagnosed?

Doctors might think it's insulin resistance if an overweight or obese person has acanthosis nigricans or a family history of diabetes or heart disease. They may:

Insulin resistance and obesity tend to go hand-in-hand. So doctors might order more tests to look for other weight-related problems, like fatty liver, PCOS, and sleep apnea.

How Is Insulin Resistance Treated?

Insulin resistance is treated with positive lifestyle changes. Weight loss can bring big gains in blood sugar, lipids, and blood pressure. In kids who are still growing, slowing the rate of weight gain or keeping a healthy weight also will help.

Families can work with their health care provider, a dietitian, or a weight management program to build healthy habits. These might include:

  • limiting junk food and sugary beverages
  • eating more fruit and vegetables
  • choosing whole grains
  • reducing screen time
  • getting more exercise
  • not smoking

What Else Should I Know?

Sometimes, insulin resistance and other problems don't get better with lifestyle changes. Some kids may need medical treatment for things like high blood pressure. For some teens with insulin resistance and severe obesity, doctors may recommend weight loss surgery.

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Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

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