What is Insulin Resistant Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), which is the main source of fuel for your body's cells. With insulin resistant diabetes, the body either resists the effects of insulin - a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells - or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain a normal glucose level. If left uncontrolled, it can lead to serious damages to various organs including heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels.

Symptoms of Insulin Resistant Diabetes

Some common symptoms of insulin resistant diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision and dry mouth. However, many people may not experience any obvious symptoms, especially in early stages of the disease. Type 2 Diabetes makes it harder to detect and the condition may go unnoticed for quite some time if not tested routinely. Some people may be diagnosed only after suffering a heart attack or stroke, as insulin resistant diabetes increases the risk of life-threatening complications.

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing type insulin resistant diabetes:

- Obesity: Being overweight, especially with excess fat around the waist, increases insulin resistance. Losing even a small amount of weight reduces the risk significantly.

- Family history: Your odds for insulin resistant diabetes rises if you have a parent, sibling or other close relative with the disease. You are genetically predisposed if diabetes runs in your family.

- Age: The risk increases as you age, especially after turning 45 years. The chances are higher for those over 65.

- Race/ethnicity: Indigenous people, African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are at higher risk than whites. Those from Indian and Chinese origins have a high genetic predisposition.

- Gestational diabetes: If you had high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, you are at increased risk later in life.

- Unhealthy lifestyle: Following an unhealthy diet and being inactive physically increases your odds. Eating excess sugars and refined carbs raises insulin levels.

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