Insulin Resistance Syndrome
Also known as: Syndrome X
What is it?
Insulin resistance syndrome, or Syndrome X, is a
condition where muscle cells have lost insulin sensitivity
to the point that glucose no longer enters them. This
causes more insulin to be released by the pancreas,
resulting in an excess amount of insulin circulating in
the blood and often a craving for more food.
Who gets it?
It is believed that some 30 million people in the
United States may be insulin resistant. Patents can
display insulin resistance 10 to 12 years prior to being
diagnosed with diabetes. In fact, many patients with
insulin resistance never become diagnosed as suffering
from diabetes.
What causes it?
Insulin resistance syndrome is caused by elevated
insulin levels due to high blood pressure; high
triglycerides and low HDL, or “good”, cholesterol;
excessive fat tissue in the abdominal region or a family
history of diabetes. In general, having three or more of
the foregoing factors places one at high risk of having or
developing insulin resistance.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of insulin resistance include Type II
diabetes, central obesity, high levels of lipids in the
blood coupled with low levels of HDL cholesterol, high
blood pressure, elevated levels of blood factors that
promote blood clotting and high levels of uric acid in the
blood.
How is it diagnosed?
A variety of blood tests are used to measure levels of
glucose, insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, uric acid,
fibrinogen and PAI-1. In addition, blood pressure and
weight will be measured and evaluated.
What is the treatment?
Two important treatment strategies for patients
diagnosed with insulin resistance syndrome are weight loss
and exercise. Losing weight increases levels of HDL
cholesterol and decreases levels of triglycerides and LDL
cholesterol. Exercise is equally important. Research has
consistently demonstrated the beneficial effects of
exercise on insulin resistance syndrome. Medications may
also be prescribed, but patients are usually encouraged to
make lifestyle changes under their physician’s care,
including decreasing the amount of fats and oils in their
diet, avoiding concentrated sweets, quitting smoking and
avoiding excessive alcohol use.
Self-care tips
Diet, consistent and regular exercise, and avoiding
fatty food items under the direction of a physician all
play an important role in preventing insulin resistance
syndrome and the development of clinical diabetes.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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