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Insulin Resistance

Metabolic Syndrome — at Concierge Endocrinology of New Jersey

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Overview

Insulin resistance is a condition where the body's cells don't respond normally to insulin, a hormone that helps glucose enter cells for energy. When cells are resistant to insulin, the body needs to produce more of it to keep blood sugar levels in check. Over time, this can lead to metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

Having just one of these conditions doesn't mean you have metabolic syndrome. However, it does mean you have a greater risk of serious disease. And if you develop more of these conditions, your risk of complications rises even higher.

Signs & Symptoms

Large waistline (35+ inches for women, 40+ inches for men)
High triglyceride levels (150 mg/dL or higher)
Low HDL cholesterol (less than 50 mg/dL for women, less than 40 mg/dL for men)
High blood pressure (130/85 mmHg or higher)
High fasting blood sugar (100 mg/dL or higher)
Darkened skin patches (acanthosis nigricans)
Fatigue
Difficulty losing weight

Causes & Risk Factors

Overweight and obesity, especially excess abdominal fat
An inactive, sedentary lifestyle
Genetic predisposition
Age — risk increases as you get older
Certain ethnic backgrounds have higher rates
Having diabetes or family history of diabetes
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women
Certain medications that affect weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar
Chronic inflammation
Excess blood clotting factors

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider can diagnose metabolic syndrome based on a physical exam and blood tests. A diagnosis is confirmed if you have at least three of the following five risk factors:

A large waistline (35+ inches for women, 40+ inches for men), a high triglyceride level (150 mg/dL or higher), a low HDL cholesterol level, high blood pressure (130/85 mmHg or higher), or a high fasting blood sugar (100 mg/dL or higher).

Additional tests may include fasting insulin levels, glucose tolerance testing, and A1C to assess the degree of insulin resistance.

Treatment Options

Heart-healthy lifestyle changes — nutritious eating plan limiting saturated and trans fats
Aiming for and maintaining a healthy weight
Regular physical activity
Stress management
Quitting smoking
Insulin-sensitizing medications such as metformin when lifestyle changes are not sufficient
Medications to manage cholesterol or blood pressure if needed
GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy for metabolic improvement
Comprehensive metabolic evaluation and ongoing monitoring

Important Facts

The more risk factors you have for metabolic syndrome, the greater your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

People with metabolic syndrome often have excess blood clotting and chronic inflammation throughout the body.

Insulin resistance is closely linked to PCOS, prediabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Lifestyle changes are the cornerstone of treatment and can significantly improve metabolic health.

Medical information adapted from MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine. Always consult with your physician for personalized medical advice.

Expert Insulin Resistance Care

Schedule a consultation with our board-certified endocrinologists.

Request Appointment Call (609) 250-2766