Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body can't process glucose well because cells are not using insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that is excreted by the pancreas. It converts glucose from food into fuel by moving it out of the blood and into the cells. If the body doesn't respond well enough, or quickly enough, to insulin, glucose can build up in the blood. Eventually, this can lead to Type 2 diabetes. A fasting glucose level of 100 mg/dl to 125 mg/dl indicates insulin resistance.
People with insulin resistance may be overweight (they may especially carry extra weight in the abdomen) and have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Weight loss, diet, and exercise can help prevent or reverse insulin resistance.
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