Insulin resistance means that cells do not respond to insulin as well as they should. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body manage glucose, or blood sugar.
To compensate, the pancreas may make more insulin. If it cannot keep up, blood sugar can rise. Source: NIDDK
Is insulin resistance the same as diabetes
No. The terms are related, but they describe different things. Insulin resistance concerns the body's response to insulin. Prediabetes and diabetes are identified using blood sugar testing and clinical criteria.
You cannot tell whether you have insulin resistance by how you feel alone. Ask your clinician which tests, if any, are appropriate for you. Source: NIDDK
Make the explanation personal
If your clinician uses the term, ask: “What tells you this may be happening, and what does it mean for my care?”
You do not need a complicated diagram to begin the conversation. It can help to focus on the next decision: whether you need testing, a follow-up visit, or changes to a current plan.
Bring previous results if you have them. Tell your clinician which part is confusing rather than trying to interpret several online charts.
Questions worth writing down
- Do my results show prediabetes or diabetes?
- What should we monitor?
- What options fit my health history?
- When should we check again?
- What support is available to help me follow the plan?
Insulin resistance is a medical term, not a judgment about effort or willpower. The useful question is what your health information means for you.
Before leaving an appointment, summarize the plan in your own words. That gives your care team a chance to clear up any misunderstandings.