What insulin resistance means
Insulin moves sugar from the blood into the cells. When the cells respond poorly, the pancreas makes more and more insulin to keep blood sugar normal. Eventually it cannot keep up. Blood sugar rises first into the prediabetes range, then into diabetes.
Signs to look for
- Weight gain around the waist
- Dark, velvety skin in the neck folds or armpits (acanthosis nigricans)
- Skin tags
- Energy crashes and cravings after starchy meals
- PCOS, fatty liver or high triglycerides
- A parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
The tests
| Test | Prediabetes range | Diabetes range |
|---|---|---|
| HbA1c | 5.7–6.4% | 6.5% or higher |
| Fasting blood sugar | 5.6–6.9 mmol/L | 7.0 mmol/L or higher |
Ranges follow commonly used international criteria. Your doctor interprets results in context.
Reversing it
- Lifestyle: in large prevention trials, losing around 7% of body weight with 150 minutes of activity a week cut progression to diabetes by more than half.
- Strength training: muscle is the body's largest store for blood sugar. More muscle means better insulin sensitivity.
- Sleep: short sleep worsens insulin resistance within days.
- Medicines: in a three-year trial of adults with prediabetes and obesity, tirzepatide reduced progression to type 2 diabetes by about 94% compared with placebo. Metformin is a long-established, lower-cost option.
Talk it through with a doctor
Whether any of these medicines is right for you depends on your health, your history and your goals. The first phone consultation is free, and there is no obligation.
Book a free consultation