Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance means the body's cells don't respond normally to insulin, the hormone that helps move glucose from the blood into cells for energy. To compensate, the pancreas produces more insulin — and for a while, this can keep blood sugar in the normal range, which is part of why insulin resistance can exist for years before it's noticed.

Why It Develops

Insulin resistance is linked to excess body weight (particularly around the abdomen), physical inactivity, genetics, and age. Over time, if the pancreas can no longer keep up with the increased demand for insulin, blood sugar starts to rise — leading first to prediabetes and, without changes, potentially to type 2 diabetes.

How It's Recognized

Insulin resistance itself doesn't have a single specific blood test — it's usually inferred from blood sugar and HbA1c results, along with risk factors like weight, waist circumference, and family history. Some people also develop a skin change called acanthosis nigricans (dark, velvety patches, often on the neck or underarms) that can be a visible clue.