What Is Insulin Resistance? Symptoms, Testing and Treatment.
Many of my clients are surprised when I tell them insulin resistance can develop years before blood sugar levels become abnormal on routine testing. Many people are of the belief that if there doctor says there blood sugar levels are within range then they can’t be insulin resistant. Unfortunately, this is not the full story.
In fact, some people experience symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, sugar cravings and brain fog for years before they are ever told that insulin resistance may be contributing to their health concerns.
What Is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Its primary role is to help move glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into cells where it can be used for energy.
Due to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors, cells can become less responsive to insulin. When this happens, the body compensates by producing more of it. This is known as insulin resistance.
Initially, blood glucose levels may remain within the normal range because pancreas is working harder to keep them there. Over time, however, elevated insulin levels can contribute to a wide range of symptoms and may increase the risk of developing prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Common Symptoms of Insulin Resistance
Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person and may develop gradually.
Common signs include:
Difficulty losing weight
Weight gain around the abdomen
Increased hunger
Sugar or carbohydrate cravings
Energy crashes after meals
Fatigue
Brain fog
Elevated cholesterol or triglycerides
High blood pressure
Skin tags
Darkened skin folds around the neck or underarms
PCOS
Irregular menstrual cycles
Some people experience very few symptoms despite having significant metabolic dysfunction.
Why Is Insulin Resistance So Common?
Modern lifestyles create the perfect environment for insulin resistance to develop.
Contributing factors may include:
Highly processed diets
Excess calorie intake
Sedentary lifestyles
Poor sleep
Chronic stress
Reduced muscle mass
Genetics
For many women, insulin resistance becomes more noticeable during perimenopause and menopause as changes in oestrogen levels affect body composition, appetite regulation and glucose metabolism.
Insulin Resistance and Women's Health
Insulin resistance plays an important role in several common women's health conditions.
PCOS
Insulin resistance is thought to be present in a large proportion of women with PMOS (PCOS) and may contribute to elevated androgen levels, irregular cycles, ovulatory dysfunction and fertility challenges.
Perimenopause and Menopause
Declining oestrogen levels can reduce insulin sensitivity and make weight management more difficult. Many women notice increasing abdominal weight gain, worsening cravings and reduced energy during this stage of life.
Fertility
Insulin resistance may affect ovulation and reproductive hormone balance, making it an important consideration for some women experiencing fertility challenges.
How Is Insulin Resistance Tested?
One of the challenges with insulin resistance is that it is not always detected through standard screening tests.
Common investigations may include:
Fasting Insulin
Fasting insulin is often one of the earliest markers to become elevated and can provide valuable insight into metabolic health.
Fasting Glucose
Measures blood glucose levels after an overnight fast.
HbA1c
Provides an indication of average blood glucose levels over approximately three months.
Lipid Profile
Elevated triglycerides and reduced HDL cholesterol can sometimes indicate underlying insulin resistance.
Additional Testing
Depending on the individual, further investigations may include:
Liver function tests
Thyroid function testing
Iron studies
Vitamin D assessment
Inflammatory markers
A comprehensive assessment helps identify other factors that may be contributing to symptoms and metabolic dysfunction.
Can Insulin Resistance Be Reversed?
In many cases, insulin sensitivity can improve significantly through targeted nutrition and lifestyle interventions.
The earlier insulin resistance is identified, the greater the opportunity to prevent progression and improve long-term health outcomes.
Natural Strategies to Improve Insulin Sensitivity
Prioritise Protein
Protein helps improve satiety, supports muscle mass and may reduce blood sugar fluctuations throughout the day.
Increase Fibre Intake
Fibre slows glucose absorption, supports healthy blood sugar regulation and nourishes beneficial gut bacteria.
Build Muscle
Resistance training is one of the most effective ways to improve insulin sensitivity because muscle tissue acts as a major site for glucose uptake.
Improve Sleep
Poor sleep is strongly associated with reduced insulin sensitivity and increased appetite.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can influence blood sugar regulation through its effects on cortisol and other stress hormones.
When Should You Seek Support?
If you are experiencing unexplained weight gain, persistent fatigue, sugar cravings, PCOS, fertility challenges or have a family history of type 2 diabetes, it may be worth exploring whether insulin resistance is contributing to your symptoms.
Early identification allows for targeted intervention and may help reduce the risk of future metabolic disease.
Looking for Personalised Support?
As a naturopath and nutritionist, I work with women to identify the underlying factors contributing to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. Through personalised nutrition, lifestyle strategies and evidence-informed natural medicine, the goal is to support sustainable improvements in energy, metabolic health and overall wellbeing.
If you'd like support with insulin resistance, PCOS, weight gain or metabolic health, you can learn more about my Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Health consultations here.