How to Identify Insulin Resistance: 5 Signs and Testing Procedures

Insulin resistance is silently affecting millions of people, yet most are unaware. According to estimates from various international studies, up to 30–40% of adults show signs of insulin resistance, especially those who are overweight, obese, or physically inactive. The worrying aspect is that this condition can exist for many years before progressing to type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease.

Do you frequently feel tired after eating, crave sweets, find it difficult to lose weight despite dieting, or notice your waistline expanding? These could be warning signs of insulin resistance that many people easily overlook. Early detection not only helps effectively control blood sugar but also reduces the risk of developing dangerous chronic diseases in the future.

In this article, Tiptory will help you understand how to recognize insulin resistance, common clinical signs, and the blood sugar tests, insulin tests, and crucial health indicators that doctors often use to accurately assess insulin resistance.

How to recognize insulin resistance

Fasting blood sugar test and glucose tolerance test

This is a crucial step to assess the body's ability to use insulin and control blood sugar levels.

1. Perform a fasting blood sugar test after an 8–12 hour fast.
2. Your doctor may order an oral glucose tolerance test to monitor your body's response after drinking a glucose-containing solution.
3. Abnormal results can be early signs of insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, or a risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Perform related blood tests

In addition to blood sugar, several other lab indicators also help assess the risk of insulin resistance and associated metabolic disorders.

• The HbA1c test helps reflect the average blood sugar level over the past 2–3 months.
• The LDL cholesterol test helps assess the amount of "bad" cholesterol in the blood.
• The HDL cholesterol test helps check the amount of "good" cholesterol, which plays a role in protecting cardiovascular health.
• Your doctor may request additional triglyceride or blood insulin tests if a more in-depth assessment is needed.

Discuss results with your doctor

Do not self-diagnose based on a single lab result. The diagnosis of insulin resistance often requires a combination of factors.

• Evaluate blood sugar, HbA1c, and lipid panel results.
• Consider symptoms such as abdominal weight gain, difficulty losing weight, fatigue after meals, or frequent sweet cravings.
• Check for risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, family history of diabetes, or polycystic ovary syndrome.

Early detection of insulin resistance helps you proactively adjust your diet, increase physical activity, and manage your weight before this condition progresses to more severe illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease.

Part 1: How to measure blood sugar and standard indicators for testing

Step 1: Fasting blood sugar test

Fasting blood sugar test is an important screening step

This is one of the most common methods for early detection of insulin resistance and assessing the risk of pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Although it is very difficult to directly measure the degree of insulin resistance, doctors often rely on blood sugar indicators to indirectly assess the body's ability to use insulin.

Preparation before the test

For accurate results, you need to perform a fasting blood test as directed by your doctor.

• Fast and do not consume any caloric beverages for at least 8 hours before blood collection.
• You can still drink plain water during the fasting period.
• It is advisable to perform the test in the morning after a night's sleep for convenience and accuracy.

Understanding fasting blood sugar results

After receiving the test results, your doctor will evaluate your blood sugar level to determine the risk of glucose metabolism disorder.

• Below 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L): Normal blood sugar level.
• From 100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L): May be in the pre-diabetic stage, and this is also a common sign of insulin resistance.
• From 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher on at least two separate tests: May be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Why is this indicator important?

When the body develops insulin resistance, cells no longer respond as well to insulin as they normally would. To compensate, the pancreas has to produce more insulin to keep blood sugar stable. Over time, this mechanism can weaken, causing blood sugar levels to rise and leading to serious metabolic diseases.

Regular fasting blood sugar checks help detect insulin resistance early, thereby allowing for planned adjustments to diet, increased physical activity, and effective weight management.

Step 2: Perform an oral glucose tolerance test

Glucose tolerance test helps assess insulin utilization capacity

In addition to the fasting blood sugar test, your doctor may order an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to check how your body processes sugar after intake. This test is often used to detect insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes.

Preparation before the test

To ensure accurate results, you need to follow instructions before the test.

• Fast for at least 8 hours before the test.
• Only drink plain water during the fasting period.
• The test should be performed in the morning as scheduled by the healthcare facility.

Procedure for oral glucose tolerance test

The test usually takes 1–3 hours, depending on the doctor's instructions.

1. An initial blood sample is taken to measure fasting blood sugar.
2. Drink a solution containing a standard amount of glucose.
3. Blood samples are taken at specified time intervals to monitor changes in blood sugar.
4. The doctor will assess the body's ability to transport and utilize glucose through insulin activity.

Meaning of test results

When insulin functions effectively, glucose is quickly moved from the blood into cells to produce energy. Conversely, if insulin resistance occurs, blood sugar levels will remain high for longer than normal.

• Below 140 mg/dL: Normal glucose metabolism.
• From 140–200 mg/dL: May be in the pre-diabetic stage, and also a sign that the body is starting to develop insulin resistance.
• Above 200 mg/dL: May be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a more advanced stage of insulin resistance.

Why is this test important?

Many people have normal fasting blood sugar results but still have underlying insulin resistance. The oral glucose tolerance test helps detect these abnormalities earlier, thereby supporting the development of a suitable diet, exercise, and weight management plan to prevent the risk of progressing to diabetes and cardiovascular complications.

Step 3: HbA1c test

HbA1c check to assess long-term blood sugar

The HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) test is one of the effective methods to detect early insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and type 2 diabetes. Unlike a blood sugar test at a specific point in time, HbA1c indicates the body's average blood sugar level over the past 2–3 months.

What does HbA1c reflect?

When blood sugar levels are high for a long time, glucose binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells. Based on this ratio, doctors can assess blood sugar control and the effectiveness of insulin activity.

• Provides an overall picture of blood sugar status over several months.
• Helps detect metabolic disorders that instantaneous blood sugar tests might miss.
• Supports assessing the risk of insulin resistance and progression to diabetes.

Advantages of HbA1c test

This is one of the widely used tests in screening and monitoring metabolic diseases.

• Not significantly affected by the most recent meal.
• Reflects blood sugar trends over a long period instead of just one point in time.
• Helps doctors comprehensively assess the body's ability to use insulin.

In practice, doctors often choose either the HbA1c test or the oral glucose tolerance test depending on the assessment purpose, rather than performing both tests simultaneously.

How to read HbA1c results

Test results are expressed as a percentage (%).

• Below 5.7%: Blood sugar level within normal limits.
• From 5.7% to 6.4%: Sign of pre-diabetes, and also indicates an increasing risk of insulin resistance.
• From 6.5% or higher: May be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes if confirmed according to professional guidelines.

When should you get an HbA1c test?

You should discuss this test with your doctor if you have risk factors such as:

• Overweight or obesity.
• High abdominal fat.
• Physical inactivity.
• Family history of diabetes.
• High blood pressure or dyslipidemia.
• Frequent fatigue, rapid hunger, or difficulty controlling weight.

Regular HbA1c monitoring helps detect insulin resistance early, thereby proactively adjusting diet, exercise, and lifestyle to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and subsequent cardiovascular complications.

Part 2: Lipid panel: Procedure and fasting considerations

Step 1: Check LDL Cholesterol

LDL test helps assess the risk of insulin resistance

In addition to blood sugar tests, doctors may order an LDL cholesterol check to assess metabolic health and the risk of cardiovascular disease. LDL is often called "bad cholesterol" because high levels can increase the risk of atherosclerosis and many other health problems.

Studies show that people with high LDL levels often have a higher risk of insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, or metabolic syndrome compared to those with normal levels.

Preparation before LDL test

The LDL test is performed using a simple blood sample at a healthcare facility.

• Fast for 9–12 hours before blood collection as directed by your doctor.
• Only drink plain water during the fasting period.
• Avoid alcohol or consuming fatty foods the day before the test.

Meaning of LDL cholesterol levels

LDL is responsible for transporting cholesterol in the blood. When LDL is too high, cholesterol can accumulate in the artery walls, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders.

• Optimal LDL levels help protect cardiovascular health.
• High LDL is often accompanied by lipid metabolism disorder.
• People with high LDL often have a higher risk of insulin resistance.

How to read LDL results

Your doctor will evaluate the results based on your overall health status.

• Below 100 mg/dL: Ideal LDL level for most adults.
• From 100–159 mg/dL: Borderline high, requires monitoring and lifestyle adjustments if accompanied by risk factors.
• From 160 mg/dL or higher: High LDL, potentially linked to the risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Why is LDL related to insulin resistance?

When the body develops insulin resistance, fat metabolism is also affected. This can lead to increased LDL cholesterol, increased triglycerides, and decreased beneficial HDL cholesterol. Therefore, the LDL test cannot directly diagnose insulin resistance, but it is an important supportive indicator to help doctors assess the overall risk of metabolic disorders.

Combining LDL cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, and related test results will help more accurately identify the risk of insulin resistance and develop an appropriate health management plan.

Step 2: Triglyceride test

Triglyceride check to assess insulin resistance risk

Triglycerides are a type of fat circulating in the blood, playing a role in providing energy for the body. However, when this level is high, the risk of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease also increases.

Many people with insulin resistance often simultaneously experience elevated triglycerides and dyslipidemia.

How is the triglyceride test performed?

This is a simple blood test and is usually performed along with other lipid panel indicators.

• Fast as directed by your doctor before blood collection.
• The blood sample is analyzed to determine the concentration of triglycerides in the blood.
• Results are typically provided along with other cholesterol levels in a single test.

How to read triglyceride results

The triglyceride level helps doctors assess the risk of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular health.

• Below 150 mg/dL: Normal triglyceride level.
• From 150–199 mg/dL: Borderline high, requires monitoring and lifestyle adjustments.
• From 200 mg/dL or higher: High level, often associated with the risk of insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders.

Why are triglycerides related to insulin resistance?

When the body does not use insulin effectively, the metabolism of sugar and fat is disrupted. This causes the liver to produce more triglycerides, increasing the amount of fat in the blood.

Some common signs in people with high triglycerides and a risk of insulin resistance include:

• Overweight or abdominal obesity.
• Uncontrolled weight gain.
• High blood sugar or pre-diabetes.
• High blood pressure.
• Physical inactivity.

It is recommended to perform a complete lipid panel

In practice, triglycerides are usually checked along with other indicators in a lipid panel, including:

• Total cholesterol.
• LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol).
• HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol).
• Triglycerides.

Performing a single blood test can help simultaneously assess all important indicators related to insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease risk. When combined with tests like fasting blood sugar and HbA1c, doctors will have a more accurate basis for determining the degree of metabolic disorder and providing appropriate intervention.

Step 3: Check HDL Cholesterol

Assessing HDL to identify insulin resistance risk

HDL is known as "good cholesterol" because it helps transport excess cholesterol from the blood back to the liver for excretion from the body. The higher the HDL level, the better the cardiovascular protection. Conversely, low HDL levels are often associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Many studies show that people with insulin resistance often tend to have decreased HDL cholesterol and increased triglycerides in the blood.

What is the role of HDL cholesterol?

HDL not only helps control cholesterol but also protects the cardiovascular system from damage caused by plaque buildup.

• Supports the removal of excess cholesterol from blood vessel walls.
• Reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.
• Contributes to long-term cardiovascular health.
• Supports maintaining fat metabolism balance in the body.

How to read HDL cholesterol results

HDL test results are evaluated based on sex and overall health status.

For men:

• 40–50 mg/dL or higher: Normal HDL level.
• Below 40 mg/dL: Low HDL, increasing the risk of insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease.

For women:

• 50–59 mg/dL or higher: Normal HDL level.
• Below 50 mg/dL: Low HDL, which may be associated with metabolic disorders and insulin resistance.

Why is low HDL associated with insulin resistance?

When the body experiences insulin resistance, fat metabolism often becomes imbalanced. This can lead to:

• Decreased HDL cholesterol.
• Increased blood triglycerides.
• Increased accumulation of visceral fat, especially abdominal fat.
• Increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Therefore, low HDL is considered one of the important warning signs of metabolic syndrome and underlying insulin resistance.

Combining HDL with other indicators for a more accurate assessment

HDL cholesterol cannot directly diagnose insulin resistance, but when evaluated with other indicators such as:

• Fasting blood sugar.
• HbA1c.
• LDL cholesterol.
• Triglycerides.
• Waist circumference and body mass index (BMI).

The doctor will have a more comprehensive view of metabolic health and the risk of pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases related to insulin resistance. Regular monitoring of these indicators helps detect abnormalities early and proactively adjust lifestyle to improve insulin sensitivity more effectively.

Part 3: Criteria for diagnosing insulin resistance from a doctor

Note 1: Discuss results with your doctor

Comprehensive assessment to determine insulin resistance

No single test can completely and accurately diagnose insulin resistance. Therefore, doctors often rely on a combination of various test results and risk factors to provide a comprehensive assessment of metabolic health.

After completing the necessary tests, you should discuss them directly with your doctor for a detailed explanation of what each result means.

Indicators often considered together

The doctor will evaluate multiple factors instead of focusing on a single result.

• Fasting blood sugar.
• HbA1c.
• Glucose tolerance test.
• LDL cholesterol.
• HDL cholesterol.
• Triglycerides.
• Body Mass Index (BMI).
• Waist circumference and abdominal fat accumulation.

The combination of these data helps determine the risk of insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, or related metabolic disorders.

Signs indicating a high risk of insulin resistance

The likelihood of developing insulin resistance often increases when multiple abnormalities appear simultaneously in test results.

• Blood sugar higher than normal.
• Elevated HbA1c.
• High LDL cholesterol.
• Elevated triglycerides.
• Low HDL cholesterol.
• Overweight or obesity, especially abdominal obesity.

When several of these factors are present, the risk of insulin resistance is often significantly higher than with only one abnormal indicator.

The doctor's role in diagnosis

Self-interpreting test results can lead to misunderstandings or inaccurate assessments. Your doctor is the expert to:

1. Analyze all test results.
2. Evaluate symptoms and medical history.
3. Determine the degree of metabolic disorder, if any.
4. Rule out other causes that may affect test results.
5. Provide a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Developing a plan to improve insulin sensitivity

If you are identified as being at risk for or experiencing insulin resistance, your doctor can advise on solutions to improve metabolic health.

• Adjusting diet scientifically.
• Weight management.
• Increasing physical activity.
• Limiting foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.
• Regularly monitoring blood sugar and blood lipids.
• Using medication as prescribed if necessary.

Early detection and timely intervention can help slow or prevent the progression from insulin resistance to pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes, while also reducing the risk of future cardiovascular diseases.

Note 2: Recognizing signs of Insulin Resistance

Observe abnormal body changes

In addition to blood tests, some clinical signs and symptoms can also indicate insulin resistance. Although these manifestations are not sufficient to diagnose the condition, they can be signals that the body is having difficulty using insulin to control blood sugar.

Overweight or obesity

Being overweight, especially with visceral fat accumulation, is one of the factors closely linked to insulin resistance.

• Gradual weight gain over time.
• Difficulty losing weight despite dieting or exercising.
• More fat accumulation around the abdomen than in other areas of the body.

Abnormal increase in waist circumference

Abdominal fat is a common sign in individuals at risk for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

• Men with a waist circumference greater than 90 cm.
• Women with a waist circumference greater than 80 cm.
• An enlarged belly even if overall weight has not increased significantly.

Frequent thirst

When blood sugar levels are high, the body tries to excrete excess sugar through urine, leading to increased thirst.

• Constantly drinking water but still feeling thirsty.
• Frequent dry mouth.
• A noticeable increase in the need to drink water throughout the day.

Frequent urination

This is a fairly common symptom when blood sugar begins to rise.

• Urinating more frequently than usual.
• Waking up multiple times at night to urinate.
• Increased urine volume despite no change in drinking habits.

Persistent fatigue

When cells do not use glucose effectively due to insulin resistance, the body may lack energy even if blood sugar levels are still high.

• Feeling sluggish, lacking vitality.
• Easily exhausted after daily activities.
• Difficulty concentrating or reduced work performance.

Blurred vision or changes in eyesight

Fluctuations in blood sugar can affect the eye's focusing ability and cause vision problems.

• Transient blurred vision.
• Difficulty focusing when reading or using electronic devices.
• Vision changes erratically within a short period.

When should you see a doctor?

You should proactively get a health check-up if several of the above signs appear, especially when accompanied by risk factors such as:

• Overweight or obesity.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Family history of diabetes.
• High blood pressure.
• Dyslipidemia.

Early recognition of insulin resistance signs combined with tests for blood sugar, HbA1c, and blood lipids will help detect risk early, providing an opportunity to adjust lifestyle before progressing to pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Note 3: Who should be screened for Insulin Resistance?

Proactive screening when suspicious signs are present

Many people only discover insulin resistance when it has already progressed to pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Therefore, early screening plays an important role in preventing metabolic and cardiovascular complications.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as weight gain, abdominal obesity, persistent fatigue, increased thirst, or frequent urination, consult your doctor for necessary tests.

Individuals aged 45 and older should undergo regular check-ups

Age is one of the factors that increase the risk of glucose metabolic disorders and insulin resistance.

• Individuals aged 45 and older should have regular blood sugar checks.
• If the results are normal, screening can be repeated according to the doctor's recommended schedule.
• Regular check-ups help detect abnormalities early before clear symptoms appear.

Overweight or obese individuals

Excess body fat, especially abdominal fat, significantly increases the risk of insulin resistance.

• BMI of 25 or higher.
• Waist circumference greater than the recommended level.
• Persistent weight gain or difficulty losing weight.

Sedentary individuals

A sedentary lifestyle reduces the body's ability to use glucose effectively, thereby increasing the risk of insulin resistance.

• Sitting for long periods at work.
• Limited participation in physical activities.
• Not maintaining a regular exercise routine.

Individuals with high blood pressure or dyslipidemia

Metabolic diseases are often closely related.

• High blood pressure.
• High LDL cholesterol.
• Elevated triglycerides.
• Low HDL cholesterol.

These factors often co-occur with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.

Individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance share many common risk factors.

• History of myocardial infarction.
• Coronary artery disease.
• Circulatory or vascular problems.

These cases should have regular metabolic health monitoring.

Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is one of the conditions often associated with insulin resistance.

• Irregular menstrual cycles.
• Difficulty conceiving.
• Weight gain, especially in the abdominal area.
• Acne or abnormal hair growth.

Women with PCOS are often advised to have frequent blood sugar and metabolic checks.

Individuals with a family history of diabetes

Genetic factors can increase the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

• Parents with diabetes.
• Siblings with diabetes.
• Multiple family members with metabolic diseases.

Women who have given birth to a large baby

A history of giving birth to a baby with an above-average birth weight may reflect impaired glucose tolerance during pregnancy.

• History of gestational diabetes.
• History of giving birth to a baby weighing approximately 4 kg or more.
• History of elevated blood sugar during pregnancy.

Why screen early?

Insulin resistance often progresses silently for many years without causing obvious symptoms. Early screening with tests such as fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, glucose tolerance test, and blood lipid tests helps detect risk from the early stages. This provides an opportunity to adjust diet, increase physical activity, and control weight more effectively, thereby reducing the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes and serious cardiovascular diseases.

Note 4: How dangerous is Insulin Resistance?

Understand the health risks associated with insulin resistance

Many people believe that insulin resistance is only related to blood sugar or diabetes. In reality, it is a metabolic disorder that can affect many organs in the body and increase the risk of numerous serious chronic diseases.

If you are diagnosed with or suspect insulin resistance, you should discuss it with your doctor to understand the health risks and develop an appropriate monitoring plan.

Increased risk of cardiovascular disease

Insulin resistance often comes with abnormalities in blood lipids, blood pressure, and chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of damage to the cardiovascular system.

• Atherosclerosis.
• Coronary artery disease.
• Myocardial infarction.
• Stroke.

This risk is even higher when the patient also has high LDL cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, or abdominal obesity.

Increased risk of high blood pressure

Insulin not only helps control blood sugar but also affects the function of blood vessels and kidneys.

• Blood pressure tends to increase over time.
• The heart has to work harder to pump blood.
• The risk of cardiovascular complications increases significantly if blood pressure is not controlled.

High blood pressure and insulin resistance often occur together in metabolic syndrome.

Progression to type 2 diabetes

This is one of the most common consequences of insulin resistance.

• Initially, the pancreas produces more insulin to compensate.
• Over time, insulin production capacity declines.
• Sustained high blood sugar leads to pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Early detection of insulin resistance can help prevent or slow down this process.

Increased risk of fatty liver disease

The liver is significantly affected when the body experiences metabolic disorders.

• Accumulation of fat in liver cells.
• Formation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Can progress to hepatitis or cirrhosis if not controlled.

Individuals with abdominal obesity and insulin resistance often have a higher risk of fatty liver disease.

Association with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

In women, insulin resistance is one of the important factors contributing to the development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

• Irregular menstrual cycles.
• Difficulty getting pregnant.
• Weight gain, especially in the abdominal area.
• Acne or abnormal hair growth.

Improving insulin sensitivity can help manage PCOS symptoms more effectively.

Why do these conditions often co-occur?

Conditions such as insulin resistance, obesity, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes share many common risk factors, including:

• Diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Overweight or obesity.
• Genetics.
• Chronic stress and lack of sleep.

Therefore, when one of these issues arises, the risk of developing the other disorders also increases.

Proactive early control

The good news is that insulin resistance can be significantly improved if detected early. By maintaining a healthy weight, eating scientifically, exercising regularly, and having regular health check-ups, many people can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing dangerous chronic diseases in the future.

Early screening to prevent diabetes

Don't overlook testing if you have risk factors

If you are in a high-risk group for insulin resistance, undergoing screening tests is crucial. This is because the condition often develops silently for many years before progressing to pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Early detection allows you to intervene right from the initial stage, when the body still has a relatively good ability to restore insulin sensitivity.

Benefits of early screening

Regular check-ups help detect metabolic abnormalities before serious complications appear.

• Early recognition of insulin resistance risk.
• Detecting pre-diabetes before it progresses to diabetes.
• More effective monitoring of cardiovascular health and blood lipids.
• Proactively developing a suitable healthcare plan.

Lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference

When detected early, many cases of insulin resistance can be significantly improved through lifestyle changes.

• Build a balanced diet, limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates.
• Increase consumption of green vegetables, fiber, and nutrient-rich foods.
• Maintain regular physical activity.
• Control weight and reduce abdominal fat.
• Get enough sleep and manage stress effectively.

These changes not only help improve insulin sensitivity but also support the control of blood pressure, cholesterol, and cardiovascular health.

Reduce the risk of long-term complications

If left uncontrolled, insulin resistance can progress to type 2 diabetes and increase the risk of many health complications such as:

• Cardiovascular disease.
• Stroke.
• Kidney damage.
• Nerve damage.
• Eye and vision problems.
• Fatty liver.

Therefore, early screening and proactive lifestyle changes are among the most effective ways to protect long-term health, limit the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and related complications of insulin resistance.

References

1. American Diabetes Association. (2025). Standards of Care in Diabetes—2025. Diabetes Care, 48(Supplement 1).
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
3. DeFronzo, R. A., Ferrannini, E., Groop, L., Henry, R. R., Herman, W. H., Holst, J. J., Hu, F. B., Kahn, C. R., Raz, I., Shulman, G. I., Simonson, D. C., Testa, M. A., & Weiss, R. (2015). Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 1, 15019.
4. Ferrannini, E., & Natali, A. (2018). Essential hypertension, metabolic disorders, and insulin resistance. American Heart Journal, 121(4), 1274–1282.
5. International Diabetes Federation. (2023). IDF Diabetes Atlas (10th ed.). International Diabetes Federation.
6. Kahn, S. E., Hull, R. L., & Utzschneider, K. M. (2006). Mechanisms linking obesity to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Nature, 444(7121), 840–846.
7. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2024). Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
8. Reaven, G. M. (1988). Banting lecture 1988: Role of insulin resistance in human disease. Diabetes, 37(12), 1595–1607.
9. Roberts, C. K., & Hevener, A. L. (2009). Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance: Underlying causes and modification by exercise training. Comprehensive Physiology, 3(1), 1–58.
10. World Health Organization. (2024). Classification of Diabetes Mellitus and Hyperglycaemia. World Health Organization.
11. Yaribeygi, H., Farrokhi, F. R., Butler, A. E., & Sahebkar, A. (2019). Insulin resistance: Review of the underlying molecular mechanisms. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 234(6), 8152–8161.

Content edited by: Leigh Kennedy Ly.

Information consulted and verified by expert: Isabella Moore.