Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes

After food, insulin helps glucose move from blood into cells and signals the liver to store some glucose. With insulin resistance, muscle, liver and fat cells do not respond as strongly. The pancreas can release more insulin for a while, keeping glucose closer to its usual range. If insulin production cannot meet the demand, glucose rises and may reach the range used to diagnose prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Insulin resistance can exist without obvious symptoms. It is not a personal failure, and it is influenced by genetics, body composition, sleep, activity, medicines and other health conditions. Obesity can be associated with insulin resistance, but body size alone does not diagnose it.

Start with manageable changes: choose regular balanced meals, increase activity gradually if safe, protect sleep, and avoid smoking. A clinician can review blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and medicines, then agree goals that fit your life. Nutrition Counselling or a Weight Management Programme may provide practical support. If you have diabetes, take prescribed treatment and attend monitoring appointments even when you feel well.

Arrange a review for persistent thirst, frequent urination, unexplained tiredness, blurred vision or repeated high glucose readings. Seek urgent help for vomiting, severe dehydration, confusion, collapse or difficult breathing. If you use glucose-lowering medicine or insulin, sweating, shaking, dizziness and confusion may indicate Hypoglycaemia; follow your personalised treatment plan and seek help if it continues.

Ask which tests assess your glucose pattern, whether medicines or another condition may affect insulin sensitivity, and what change would be most useful first. Ask how progress will be monitored and which kidney, eye, nerve and cardiovascular checks are appropriate for you.