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Insulin resistance may be quiet, but it’s not harmless. It’s the body’s early distress call and one that deserves attention.
Insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells stop responding effectively to insulin is quietly disrupting the body’s metabolism.
When it comes to chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, the first warning sign often goes unnoticed. It doesn’t show up on standard lab reports or make headline symptoms. But beneath the surface, insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells stop responding effectively to insulin is quietly disrupting the body’s metabolism.
“Insulin resistance is often the first warning sign that something is off in the body’s metabolic health,” says Dr. Prudwiraj Sanamandra, Consultant, Endocrinologist and Diabetologist, Arete Hospitals. “If identified early, it can be managed or even reversed through lifestyle changes. But if ignored, it increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and stroke. Acting early is the key.”
The Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
The tricky part? Insulin resistance doesn’t always come with dramatic symptoms. Both experts agree that it often creeps in silently, making it harder to catch without clinical awareness.
“It develops slowly over time, and many people don’t realise their metabolism is already under strain until other problems begin to show up,” explains Dr. Sanamandra. He points to the buildup of fat around the midsection even in people who are eating well and staying active as one of the first physical red flags. “It’s not just about diet; this pattern often reflects how the body is responding to insulin that’s staying high for too long.”
Dr. Vrinda Agrawal, Consultant, Endocrinology, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, adds, “Insulin resistance often creeps in silently, long before blood sugar levels begin to rise. Many people miss the early signs because they show up outside the typical diabetes screening framework.”
One such visible marker is acanthosis nigricans, a dark, velvety thickening of the skin commonly seen around the neck, armpits, or groin. “Clusters of small, soft growths—commonly known as skin tags—also appear frequently around the neck or underarms in people with persistently high insulin levels,” notes Dr. Agrawal.
The Hidden Symptoms Behind Everyday Fatigue
Insulin resistance also shows up in ways people might not immediately connect to metabolism. According to both doctors, patients often report feeling “mentally slower,” “more tired,” or “energy-depleted,” despite getting decent sleep and eating properly.
“Daily tasks take more effort, or their concentration dips halfway through the day. These things might seem small, but they matter,” says Dr. Sanamandra. “By the time fasting sugar levels cross the line, the body’s already been working overtime for a while.”
Dr. Agrawal adds that many of her patients express a creeping sense of tiredness they can’t quite place: “They’re eating their meals, but the energy doesn’t last. A short walk leaves them more tired than expected, and everyday routines start to feel heavier. It’s not dramatic fatigue, just this slow, creeping drain.”
Cravings for sugary or starchy foods not long after eating may also be a clue. “This happens when the body struggles to use insulin properly, leaving cells low on energy despite adequate food intake,” she explains.
For Women, PCOS May Be the Clue
In women, insulin resistance often reveals itself through irregular menstrual cycles, adult-onset acne, or unexpected facial hair growth, all of which are common signs of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
“While they may appear unrelated at first, they’re often linked to the same underlying metabolic problem,” says Dr. Sanamandra. “We also pay attention to things like skin healing—if cuts are slow to close or infections keep recurring, it’s a sign that the body’s repair systems are under strain.”
What You Can Do: Tests and Next Steps
The good news? Insulin resistance is reversible in many cases—if caught early.
Dr. Agrawal strongly advises not waiting for a high blood sugar reading to act. “These signs shouldn’t be dismissed as cosmetic or age-related changes. They are metabolic signals that the body is under strain.” She recommends simple but effective screening tools like fasting insulin levels or HOMA-IR, especially when symptoms are present despite “normal” glucose readings.
Dr. Sanamandra echoes that advice: “We encourage checking simple parameters like blood pressure, waist circumference, fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and uric acid levels. These can offer valuable insights into whether insulin resistance is already at play.”
Takeaway:
Insulin resistance may be quiet, but it’s not harmless. It’s the body’s early distress call and one that deserves attention. If you’re feeling “off,” even in small ways, it’s worth exploring further. Catching it early means giving yourself the best chance to restore balance before bigger health issues begin.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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