Insulin resistance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes are all conditions that involve the body's inability to use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body's cells use glucose for energy. When the body is insulin resistant, it doesn't respond to insulin as well as it should. This can lead to high blood sugar levels, which can eventually lead to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Insulin resistance often has no symptoms. However, some people with insulin resistance may experience:
Darkened skin in the armpits or on the back and sides of the neck (acanthosis nigricans)
Skin tags
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Weight gain
Fatigue
Prediabetes also often has no symptoms. However, some people with prediabetes may experience:
Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Increased hunger
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
Frequent infections
Slow-healing sores
Type 2 diabetes can cause a number of symptoms, including:
Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Increased hunger
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
Frequent infections
Slow-healing sores
Unintended weight loss
Slow-healing sores
Yeast infections
Dry skin
Tingling or pain in the hands or feet
Numbness in the hands or feet
Blurred vision
Slow-healing sores
Frequent urination, especially at night
Extreme thirst
Extreme hunger
If you have any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor to get tested for insulin resistance, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes complications.
Here are some additional information about the warning signs of insulin resistance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes:
Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance is often a precursor to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. It can be caused by a number of factors, including obesity, physical inactivity, and a family history of diabetes.
Prediabetes: Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes is a serious condition because it can lead to type 2 diabetes if it's not managed properly.
Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body doesn't produce or use insulin properly. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which can cause a number of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney disease.
Here are some tips to help prevent insulin resistance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes:
Eat a healthy diet. This includes eating plenty of low sugar fruits, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and protein.
Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can help improve insulin resistance.
Get regular checkups. This includes getting your blood sugar checked at least once a year.
If you have any risk factors for diabetes, such as a family history of diabetes or being overweight, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.
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