Khaberni - Insulin resistance does not appear suddenly, nor does it begin with a diagnosis of diabetes, but it develops gradually due to our daily habits, from diet to physical activity, sleep, and stress management, and can persist for years before blood tests reveal a clear malfunction.
Health experts indicate that the body sends early signals indicating a metabolic problem, before any rise in glucose or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, which allows for early intervention and lifestyle changes to prevent the progression to type two diabetes.
Dr. Kunal Sud highlighted five warning signs of insulin resistance that appear years before any laboratory anomaly is discovered, in a video published on "Instagram".
Feeling hungry soon after meals
Normally, insulin sends satiety signals after eating, but for those with insulin resistance, these signals are weakened, leading to feelings of hunger after a short period.
Sharp decrease in energy
Feeling sleepy after lunch may be linked to insulin resistance, as muscle cells become less capable of absorbing glucose, which is compensated for by the pancreas secreting larger amounts of insulin, leading to a rapid rise in glucose then a drop, causing fatigue and mental confusion.
Strong cravings for sugars
Insulin resistance, associated with appetite regulation disorder, leads to increased cravings for carbohydrates and sweets.
Dr. Sud indicates that "chronic hyperinsulinemia alters appetite regulation and increases the inclination towards sugary foods and those rich in carbohydrates".
Stubborn belly fat
Accumulation of fat in the abdominal area, despite following a healthy diet, is among the signs of insulin resistance, as visceral fats release inflammatory signals and free fatty acids that hinder insulin's function, regardless of the body's total weight.
Skin tags or dark skin folds
Insulin resistance can manifest on the skin as velvety dark patches or skin tags, years before any laboratory anomaly appears.
The doctor confirms that "chronic elevation of insulin activates skin growth pathways, leading to the appearance of these early signs".
