INSULIN RESISTANCE Meaning and
Definition
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Insulin resistance is a condition characterized by a diminished response of cells in the body to the hormone insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. It helps facilitate the absorption of glucose (sugar) into cells to be used as energy or stored for future use. However, in the case of insulin resistance, cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
When cells are resistant to insulin, the pancreas compensates by producing more insulin to try and lower blood sugar levels. This can result in high levels of insulin in the bloodstream, a condition known as hyperinsulinemia. Over time, the body's ability to produce enough insulin to compensate for insulin resistance may diminish, leading to the development of type 2 diabetes.
Insulin resistance is commonly associated with obesity, physical inactivity, and certain genetic predispositions. It is also linked to other health conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Some symptoms of insulin resistance may include fatigue, increased hunger, difficulty in losing weight, and frequent urination.
Treating insulin resistance often involves lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and making dietary changes, specifically by reducing the intake of refined carbohydrates and high-sugar foods. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels. Early detection and intervention can help prevent the progression of insulin resistance to more serious conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Common Misspellings for INSULIN RESISTANCE
- unsulin resistance
- jnsulin resistance
- knsulin resistance
- onsulin resistance
- 9nsulin resistance
- 8nsulin resistance
- ibsulin resistance
- imsulin resistance
- ijsulin resistance
- ihsulin resistance
- inaulin resistance
- inzulin resistance
- inxulin resistance
- indulin resistance
- ineulin resistance
- inwulin resistance
- insylin resistance
- inshlin resistance
- insjlin resistance
- insilin resistance
Etymology of INSULIN RESISTANCE
The word "insulin resistance" is derived from the term "insulin" and the word "resistance".
The term "insulin" originates from the Latin word "insula", meaning "island". It was coined by Sir Edward Albert Sharpey-Schafer in 1913 to refer to the hormone produced by the pancreas and secreted into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin is so named because it is produced in clusters of cells known as the islets of Langerhans, which are scattered throughout the pancreas and resemble islands.
The word "resistance" comes from the Latin word "resistentia", which means "opposition" or "opposing force". In medical terms, resistance typically refers to the body's reduced sensitivity or response to a particular hormone, drug, or physiological process.
