### What is Insulin Resistance Syndrome? Insulin resistance syndrome, also known as metabolic syndrome, occurs when your body's cells don't respond well to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. This condition can lead to higher blood sugar levels and eventually type 2 diabetes if left untreated. ### How Does It Increase the Risk of Diabetes and Heart Disease? When your cells resist insulin, your pancreas produces more insulin to try to get glucose into your cells. Over time, this can lead to higher blood sugar levels, which can cause prediabetes and eventually type 2 diabetes. Additionally, insulin resistance is often associated with other health issues like high blood pressure, low levels of 'good' HDL cholesterol, and high triglycerides, all of which increase the risk of heart disease. ### Symptoms and Diagnosis You can't tell if you have insulin resistance just by how you feel. A blood test is needed to check your blood sugar levels. Other signs include high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels. Your doctor may also ask about your family history and perform a physical exam. ### Treatment and Management While there's no cure for insulin resistance, lifestyle changes can help manage it. These include: - **Exercise:** Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week. - **Healthy Diet:** Focus on eating fewer processed foods and more high-fiber, low-glycemic foods. - **Weight Loss:** Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. - **Stress Management:** High stress levels can increase blood sugar levels. - **Adequate Sleep:** Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per night. - **Quit Smoking:** Smoking can increase insulin resistance. ### Medications Your doctor may prescribe medications to manage other health issues like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. If you're at high risk for diabetes, you might also be prescribed metformin to help control your blood sugar levels. ### Conclusion Insulin resistance doesn't guarantee that you'll get diabetes, but it's important to make lifestyle changes to protect your health. Regular blood tests can help monitor your glucose levels and prevent complications.