Insulin resistance is a physiological process that is associated with certain diseases. It is also one of the four conditions that make up metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance syndrome is another name used for metabolic syndrome, which is a group of medical conditions that are directly related to heart disease and diabetes.
Insulin Resistance
Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that is responsible for lowering the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It does this by transporting glucose out of the blood and into the cells of muscles and other tissues. It is possible for cells to become resistant to insulin. When that happens they don't respond to the insulin, and the glucose can't enter the cells. As glucose remains in the blood, receptor cells in the pancreas continue to get the message that blood sugar is too high, so it secretes more insulin, causing high levels of both insulin and sugar in the blood. The result is type 2 diabetes. The exact cause is unknown, but insulin resistance is associated with being overweight.
Insulin Resistance Syndrome
Also called metabolic syndrome, this is not one medical condition, rather it is a group of conditions that increase the chances you will develop heart disease, diabetes or stroke. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute calls them a group of "metabolic risk factors for heart disease" that are linked to obesity. The risk factors include high blood pressure, insulin resistance (high blood sugar), fat around the waist, high triglycerides and a low level of the good HDL cholesterol. Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed if you have at least three of those conditions. Specific guidelines determine the lab values that define high blood pressure (readings higher than 130 over 85), levels of sugar, fat and cholesterol. Waist measurements that exceed 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men are considered to be a risk factor.
Treatment
Insulin resistance syndrome follows the same protocol for treatment and prevention. The key consists of lifestyle changes designed to lower weight and cholesterol. According to information from the Mayo Clinic, losing as little as 5 to 10 percent of body weight can lower blood pressure and reduce levels of insulin enough to decrease the risk of diabetes. Doctors recommend moderate exercise such as brisk walking for 30 to 60 minutes a day. Eating a balanced diet is critical for losing weight as well as lowering the level of triglycerides. If diet and exercise do not successfully lower blood levels of fats and sugars, or if it is necessary to treat existing diabetes, then medications may be considered.
Diet
A study of 9,514 middle-aged adults conducted at the University of Minnesota showed a relationship between metabolic syndrome and diet. The results, published in the February 2008 issue of "Circulation," found that a diet high in processed meat, red meat, and fried foods led to a higher risk of metabolic syndrome. While sweetened drinks such as juice and regular soda were not related to the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, diet soda was associated with the condition. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and the Mediterranean diet (see Resources) have been found to effectively lower weight and treat insulin resistance syndrome. Both of these dietary approaches limit unhealthy fats and increase the amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish in the diet.
