<P> Insulin resistance ( IR ) is a pathological condition in which cells fail to respond normally to the hormone insulin . The body produces insulin when glucose starts to be released into the bloodstream from the digestion of carbohydrates in the diet . Normally this insulin response triggers glucose being taken into body cells , to be used for energy , and inhibits the body from using fat for energy . The concentration of glucose in the blood decreases as a result , staying within the normal range even when a large amount of carbohydrates is consumed . When the body produces insulin under conditions of insulin resistance , the cells are resistant to the insulin and are unable to use it as effectively , leading to high blood sugar . Beta cells in the pancreas subsequently increase their production of insulin , further contributing to a high blood insulin level . This often remains undetected and can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes or latent autoimmune diabetes of adults . Although this type of chronic insulin resistance is harmful , during acute illness it is actually a well - evolved protective mechanism . Recent investigations have revealed that insulin resistance helps to conserve the brain 's glucose supply by preventing muscles from taking up excessive glucose . In theory , insulin resistance should even be strengthened under harsh metabolic conditions such as pregnancy , during which the expanding fetal brain demands more glucose . </P>
<P> Insulin resistance ( IR ) is a pathological condition in which cells fail to respond normally to the hormone insulin . The body produces insulin when glucose starts to be released into the bloodstream from the digestion of carbohydrates in the diet . Normally this insulin response triggers glucose being taken into body cells , to be used for energy , and inhibits the body from using fat for energy . The concentration of glucose in the blood decreases as a result , staying within the normal range even when a large amount of carbohydrates is consumed . When the body produces insulin under conditions of insulin resistance , the cells are resistant to the insulin and are unable to use it as effectively , leading to high blood sugar . Beta cells in the pancreas subsequently increase their production of insulin , further contributing to a high blood insulin level . This often remains undetected and can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes or latent autoimmune diabetes of adults . Although this type of chronic insulin resistance is harmful , during acute illness it is actually a well - evolved protective mechanism . Recent investigations have revealed that insulin resistance helps to conserve the brain 's glucose supply by preventing muscles from taking up excessive glucose . In theory , insulin resistance should even be strengthened under harsh metabolic conditions such as pregnancy , during which the expanding fetal brain demands more glucose . </P>
what dies it mean to be insulin resistant
what dies it mean to be insulin resistant
a pathological condition in which cells fail to respond normally to the hormone insulin
a pathological condition in which cells fail to respond normally to the hormone insulin