by Jennifer Kirkman

Created on: June 22, 2009

Insulin resistance is a syndrome that is commonly discovered to be an issue in those that suffer from diabetic conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes. Many medical professionals also refer to this as metabolic syndrome. While this syndrome is normally found to be an issue with those that suffer from Type 2 diabetes, it must be understood that it can develop into this diabetic condition and result in other medical complications as well. These complications include, but are not at all limited to, ovarian complications that include polycystic complications, blood pressure that is high, cholesterol levels that are deemed as abnormal, heart disease, and several other complications.

Insulin Resistance Explained

In order to appropriately understand insulin resistance, you must first understand the initial digestion process when it comes to foods that are consumed. As food travels through the gastrointestinal tract, the body will pull out nutrients, minerals, and other items that can be used for basic maintenance. These substances eventually end up in the bloodstream as this is the quickest means of travel throughout other locations in the body. Basic sugars which typically enter the bloodstream as glucose also enter into the blood. As soon as the body recognizes the glucose located in the blood, the pancreas kicks in and begins to secrete insulin. Insulin that is produced by this organ is identified as a hormone.

Insulin travels through the blood and seeks out cells that are traveling from one location to another. It acts as a type of sponge when it comes in contact with glucose. It absorbs the glucose and retains it so that it can be used when necessary for the production of energy. When an individual suffers from insulin resistance, the body is not as receptive as it normally would be at the optimal level of health. The cells simply ignore the hormone and continue without the energy that is required to successfully maintain the functions of the body. As a result of the cells simply bypassing the hormone of insulin, the pancreas immediately kicks in and begins to work harder producing the hormone because it recognizes the fact that the cells passing through the bloodstream require it.

Common Symptoms of Insulin Resistance

There are many common symptoms of insulin resistance. If you have Type 2 diabetes, or have found that you are not as healthy as you once were, it is important to ensure that you become familiar with these symptoms just in case this syndrome begins to infect

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