Insulin resistance

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Insulin resistance

Insulin resistance is a condition in which body cells do not fully respond to the action of insulin, a hormone that controls the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. As a result, blood sugar levels become abnormally high.

Over time, insulin resistance can result in consistently high blood sugar levels, which increases a person's risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Pregnant women who are insulin resistant have an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes.

Usually, insulin resistance develops in people who are overweight and not physically active. These characteristics are often associated with having high cholesterol and high blood pressure. People who are insulin resistant have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, especially if other risk factors, such as being a smoker or having high cholesterol levels, are present.

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

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Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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