Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that allows glucose to enter cells in the liver, muscle, and fat, where it is used for energy. Glucose comes from the food you eat, and occasionally from the liver as needed. When glucose levels in the blood (blood sugar) rise after eating, the pancreas releases insulin into the blood to lower blood sugar and keep it within a normal range.

Insulin resistance occurs when cells in the liver, muscles, and fat don’t respond to the insulin being released and cannot easily take up glucose from the blood. As a result of this, the pancreas makes more insulin to compensate. As long as the pancreas can keep up with this decreased responsiveness, blood sugar levels will stay within normal levels. When insulin levels cannot stay high enough to control blood sugar levels, insulin resistance can lead to prediabetes and eventually type II diabetes.

Those with genetic predispositions & lifestyle risk factors are more likely to develop insulin resistance. These factors include obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, a history of gestational diabetes, a history of heart disease, or PCOS.

While these are common risk factors, it is not fully understood what causes insulin resistance. It is believed that obesity, especially abdominal obesity, is a main cause of insulin resistance. Studies have shown that belly fat makes hormones that can contribute to chronic inflammation in the body; this inflammation may play a role in insulin resistance.

Especially in the beginning stages of insulin resistance, there may be no symptoms as the body is able to increase insulin secretion to keep blood sugar levels down. If left untreated, though, you may start to see symptoms of hyperglycemia. These can include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, blurred vision, and headaches.

Since not all causes of insulin resistance are known, treatment is focused on lifestyle modification. A diet modification focused on high protein and whole foods is recommended with a decrease in processed and sugary foods. This change paired with increased physical exercise will hopefully reduce excess weight and reverse insulin resistance.

At Harmony Aesthetics we also offer semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are the generic forms of Ozempic and Mounjaro, respectively. These drugs were originally developed to treat type II diabetes, and so are beneficial in reducing blood sugar and excess weight. If you are insulin resistant and do not have a contraindication, you will probably be an excellent candidate for these weight loss injections.