Is Insulin Resistance the Same as Diabetes?

The short answer: No, insulin resistance is not the same as diabetes.

However, the two are closely connected. On average, a person may have insulin resistance for 10–15 years (1) before developing type 2 diabetes. 

So, What Exactly Is Insulin Resistance? 

Insulin resistance happens when your body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar levels.  (1) (2)

Here’s how it works: 

• When you eat carbs, like bread, pasta, candy, or desserts, your body breaks them down into glucose. This sugar then enters your bloodstream. 

• As glucose levels rise, your pancreas detects this increase and releases insulin.  (2) (6)

• Insulin acts like a key, unlocking your cells so glucose can enter and be used as energy. 

But...

With insulin resistance, your cells stop responding efficiently to insulin. The "key" struggles to open the door for glucose to enter. In response, your pancreas produces more insulin to try to compensate. (1)

Over time, this cycle can raise blood sugar levels. Eventually, it may lead to type 2 diabetes.  (2)

What Is Pre-Diabetes? 

Pre-diabetes happens when blood sugar levels are above normal. However, they are not high enough to qualify for a diabetes diagnosis (4, 8, 9).

What Is Diabetes? 

Diabetes develops when blood sugar levels become consistently high.

Due to

1. Chronic insulin resistance

2. The loss of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas

3. Decrease in function of the insulin-producing cell. (6)

When blood glucose levels remain elevated, a diabetes diagnosis is made. (1)

Need Help Losing Weight??

Do you have insulin-resistance, pre-diabetes, diabetes and your struggling to lose weight.

To achieve Quick weight loss (3 pounds a week) you needs more than just the advice "eat less, move more."  Get support from someone who has not only lost 95 pounds using GLP-1 while having pre-diabetes but has also helped others achieve quick weight loss results too.

Click the link to book a call and discover if GLP-1 and insulin resistance weight loss strategies are right for you.