Insulin Resistance

What is insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance is a condition affecting the way cells in your body use insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. Genetics and lifestyle habits can contribute to this common condition. It doesn’t always cause symptoms, but it increases the risk of developing prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes when not addressed. 

Which complications can insulin resistance cause?

In addition to boosting the risk of diabetes, including gestational diabetes during pregnancy, insulin resistance may lead to infertility. It can also cause problems with embryo transfers during assisted reproductive treatment, lowering the chance of a successful pregnancy. 

Furthermore, untreated insulin resistance might contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as miscarriages or metabolic abnormalities in babies. 

Does insulin resistance cause any symptoms?

Insulin resistance can cause the following symptoms, especially if it transitions into diabetes:

• Discolored skin patches
• Skin tags
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Frequent yeast infections
• Increased hunger and thirst
• Frequent urination

However, insulin resistance often causes no noticeable symptoms.

What are the risk factors for insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance risk factors may include:

• Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen
• Lack of exercise
• Family history of insulin resistance, prediabetes, or Type 2 diabetes
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Excess body weight
• A diet containing highly processed foods
• Some medications
• Genetic changes
• Being 45 or older
• Smoking
• Sleep disorders
• History of gestational diabetes, heart disease, or stroke
• Hormone-related medical conditions 

Examples of hormone-related concerns that increase the chance of insulin resistance include hypothyroidism, acromegaly, and Cushing syndrome. High blood pressure and cholesterol are risk factors, too. 

How is insulin resistance diagnosed?

The University Reproductive Associates team diagnoses insulin resistance and infertility related to it by discussing your lifestyle, medical history, and symptoms. They complete a physical exam and order diagnostic tests, such as a lipid panel and blood sugar testing.

How is insulin resistance treated?

Treating insulin resistance requires making lifestyle changes and/or taking medications. It’s helpful to eat heart-healthy foods, exercise regularly, and try weight loss if you carry excess body weight. You might take medications to manage blood pressure, prediabetes, diabetes, or cholesterol.

If you’re managing insulin resistance effectively but still have difficulty getting pregnant, University Reproductive Associates offers highly effective fertility treatment options. Examples include intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and third-party reproduction.

Schedule an infertility evaluation at University Reproductive Associates by phone or request one online today to learn if insulin resistance is affecting your ability to become or stay pregnant.