Changes in the biological activity of insulin-sensitive peripheral tissues, which result in reduced disposal of nutrients such as glucose from the plasma for any given concentration of insulin.
A condition where one needs relatively more insulin to maintain blood glucose in a normal range.
Defective use of the insulin that is produced.
A condition in which the body does not respond properly to the activity of insulin even though the pancreas produces sufficient amounts. To maintain a normal blood level of glucose (sugar) in insulin-resistant people, the pancreas needs to release abnormally large amounts of insulin into the bloodstream to compensate for insulin resistance. The elevated levels of insulin may damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease even if the blood sugar level re¬ mains normal.
Cellular phenomena that prevent insulin from stimulating the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream and the synthesis of glycogen. Insulin resistance is one of the fundamental metabolic defects found in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Term for when the body is producing enough or even too much insulin, but can’t use it effectively.
A state of being where the regular levels of insulin present in the body are insufficient to generate the typical insulin reaction from the cells of the liver, fat, and muscles.
A condition characterized by the body’s incapacity to adequately respond to insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas that facilitates the utilization of glucose by the body, is commonly referred to as insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells don’t respond properly to insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas to control blood sugar levels. Obesity is the most common cause of mild insulin resistance, and losing weight can restore insulin sensitivity. In type 2 diabetes mellitus, high blood sugar levels result from both insulin resistance and a decreased ability of the pancreas to produce sufficient insulin.
Insulin resistance is not only linked to diabetes but also conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome and acanthosis nigricans. Sometimes, individuals with fluctuating diabetes need very large amounts of insulin to lower their blood sugar. The reason behind this extreme insulin resistance remains unclear in many of these cases.