{"id":817,"date":"2023-03-14T07:24:01","date_gmt":"2023-03-14T07:24:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=817"},"modified":"2023-03-15T22:17:51","modified_gmt":"2023-03-15T22:17:51","slug":"insulin-resistance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/insulin-resistance-medications\/insulin-resistance\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Insulin Resistance?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Highlights\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Insulin resistance makes it hard for your body to use insulin effectively.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Insulin resistance is linked to high blood sugar levels, prediabetes, diabetes, and a number of other serious health conditions.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Potential causes of insulin resistance include genetic conditions, excess weight, being inactive, or having related chronic health conditions.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>You may be able to reduce or reverse insulin resistance by living an active, healthy lifestyle or using medication to manage your condition.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Get the lowest prices for your insulin resistance medications with BidRx.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insulin resistance is a condition that occurs when your body doesn\u2019t properly respond to insulin. This makes it difficult for your body to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and can lead to serious health complications, like type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, insulin resistance can be managed with the right treatment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Insulin Resistance Symptoms<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People can live for years with insulin resistance before they notice any symptoms. Some people may not show any noticeable symptoms at all. This typically happens when your pancreas increases insulin production to keep your blood sugar levels in check.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insulin resistance doesn\u2019t go away on its own. Over time, your pancreas may not be able to keep up with insulin production. This causes your blood sugar to spike and leads to more noticeable symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs of high blood sugar include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blurred vision<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive thirst<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequent urination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin infections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slow healing cuts or sores<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people don\u2019t realize they have insulin resistance until they develop another condition, like prediabetes. Prediabetes can cause changes to your skin, such as the development of skin tags or darkened skin patches on your neck or armpits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Insulin Resistance Causes and Risk Factors<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Researchers are still working to determine the exact cause of insulin resistance. They\u2019ve identified several risk factors and conditions that can contribute to developing insulin resistance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anyone can develop insulin resistance. However, the leading risk factors appear to be being physically inactive and having excess abdominal fat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Lifestyle Factors<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Researchers have identified several lifestyle factors linked to insulin resistance. These factors include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Certain medication use.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8466307\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can reduce your body\u2019s sensitivity to insulin. Examples include certain blood pressure medications, psychiatric medications, and steroids.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Diet. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular consumption of highly processed foods, foods high in saturated fat, and foods high in added sugars is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7600669\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">linked to insulin resistance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These foods cause your blood sugar to rise and put stress on your pancreas.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7553667\/#:~:text=Obesity%20is%20a%20triggering%20factor,are%20released%20by%20adipose%20tissue.\"><b>Overweight\/obesity<\/b><\/a><b>. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excess fat around the abdomen and organs is strongly associated with insulin resistance. Excess belly fat can trigger inflammation in your body, which may lead to insulin resistance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Physical inactivity.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Regular physical activity helps your body to regulate your blood sugar. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bmjopensem.bmj.com\/content\/2\/1\/e000143\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limited physical activity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause weight gain and reduced sensitivity to insulin.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Smoking. <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/diabetes\/library\/features\/smoking-and-diabetes.html#:~:text=How%20Smoking%20Can%20Lead%20to,cells%20stop%20responding%20to%20insulin.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smoking<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can lead to chronic inflammation and make your body less sensitive to insulin.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Genetic Conditions<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Researchers have worked hard to identify genetic risk factors linked to insulin resistance and other metabolic conditions. Certain inherited genetic conditions <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4911377\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can place you at greater risk<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for developing insulin resistance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alstr\u00f6m syndrome<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donohue syndrome<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inherited lipodystrophy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Myotonic dystrophy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rabson-Mendenhall syndrome<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Type A insulin resistance syndrome<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Werner syndrome<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Hormonal Conditions<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormones are important to regulating your blood sugar levels. Some hormonal conditions can disrupt how your body produces or uses insulin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acromegaly<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cushing\u2019s syndrome<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypothyroidism<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Other Health Conditions<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A variety of health conditions are associated with insulin resistance. For example, most people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other health conditions linked to insulin resistance include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gestational diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High cholesterol<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart disease\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Polycystic ovary syndrome<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stroke<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Other Factors<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other risk factors for developing insulin resistance include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age older than 45<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a family history of insulin resistance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain racial or ethnic backgrounds, including Asian American, Black, Hispanic\/Latino, Native\/Indigenous people<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Insulin Resistance Diagnosis<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-822\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/2.jpeg-75.jpg\" alt=\"Finger-prick test\" width=\"512\" height=\"307\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Providers don\u2019t typically test for insulin resistance unless someone has symptoms or several key risk factors. To diagnose insulin resistance, your provider may:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Review your personal medical history<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Review your family history for insulin resistance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete a physical exam\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Order laboratory tests<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your provider may order oral or blood tests to determine your:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood sugar and insulin levels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cholesterol and triglyceride levels<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having high insulin and high blood sugar levels can indicate insulin resistance. This is also true for high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Insulin Resistance Complications<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insulin resistance can range from mild to severe. Not every person with insulin resistance will develop prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or other metabolic complications. Your risk for complications will depend on a number of personal factors, including your health history, lifestyle, and how resistant you are to insulin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most complications from insulin resistance are related to damage to the blood vessels. Left untreated, high blood sugar levels and elevated insulin levels can lead to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eye complications or vision problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ketoacidosis and ketones<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neuropathy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin complications or infections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stroke<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Insulin Resistance Treatment<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fortunately, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/diabetes.org\/healthy-living\/medication-treatments\/insulin-resistance\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">insulin resistance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be managed and sometimes reversed. Making healthy lifestyle changes and using medications to manage your condition can help to reduce your insulin resistance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Healthy Lifestyle Changes<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Providers recommend a series of healthy lifestyle changes that can help to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower your blood sugar levels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower your triglycerides and \u201cbad\u201d cholesterol levels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve your \u201cgood\u201d cholesterol levels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduce your blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthy lifestyle changes that can help you manage insulin resistance include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being physically active<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating a balanced diet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting enough sleep<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintaining a healthy weight<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing stress<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never smoking or quitting smoking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing your sugar intake<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Medication<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your provider might recommend prescription medication to help manage your insulin resistance. Medications used to treat other health conditions can make it easier for you to manage insulin resistance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medications commonly prescribed to people with insulin resistance include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Blood pressure medication. <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/hypertension\/what-is-hypertension-symptoms-causes-diagnosis-treatment\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypertension<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> medications, like alpha blockers and beta blockers, are used to lower blood pressure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cholesterol medication. <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/cholesterol-medications\/drug-reference-guide-cholesterol-medications\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Statins<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/atorvastatin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">atorvastatin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/lipitor.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lipitor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/fluvastatin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fluvastatin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/mtm\/lescol-xl.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lescol XL<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), are sometimes used to lower \u201cbad\u201d <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/cholesterol-medications\/drug-reference-guide-cholesterol-medications\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cholesterol<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in people with insulin resistance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Diabetes medication. <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/diabetes-medications\/diabetes-medications\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> medications, like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/metformin.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metformin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/drug-class\/thiazolidinediones.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thiazolidinediones<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (TZDs), can reduce insulin resistance and lower blood sugar.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Insulin Resistance Prevention<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-821\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/3.jpeg-73.jpg\" alt=\"Man jogging\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can\u2019t control certain risk factors, such as genetic conditions or family history of insulin resistance. The best way to prevent developing insulin resistance is to live an active, healthy lifestyle. Talk to your provider about any concerning symptoms or risk factors for insulin resistance so you can stay on top of your health.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Get the Lowest Price for Insulin Resistance Medications<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing insulin resistance is easier than ever thanks to BidRx. Take advantage of BidRx to get the lowest prices for your insulin resistance medications.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you sign up, you can create a bid for your medication, then sit back while pharmacies across the country compete for your business. Simply choose the pharmacy and price you like best, then you can either pick up your prescription or have it shipped right to your front door. Visit our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/Contents\/medication\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medication page<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to get started.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Highlights\u00a0\u00a0 Insulin resistance makes it hard for your body to use insulin effectively. Insulin resistance&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":823,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-817","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-insulin-resistance-medications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/817","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=817"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/817\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":824,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/817\/revisions\/824"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/823"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=817"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=817"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=817"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}