Insulin resistance occurs when the body makes insulin but does not properly use it. According to MedlinePlus, this may cause Metabolic Syndrome, also called insulin resistance syndrome. Insulin resistance is a precursor to diabetes and also increases the risk of heart disease. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) lists common causes of insulin resistance as genetics, increased weight and low activity level. Effective weight management, daily exercise, regular physical examinations, a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle can all help decrease the negative impact of insulin resistance in men.
Dark Skin Patches
Some men with insulin resistance have dark patches of skin called acanthosis nigricans. These are often found on the back of the neck but can be located on the armpits, knees, elbows, groin or knuckles. Other skin folds are possible sites for these dark patches as well. The skin may change texture and seem to have a "velvety" feel.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are non-cancerous growths that can be found on the neck, groin, face, armpits or any other part of the body. They can be tiny or as large as a marble. These growths may be the same color as the man's surrounding skin, or they may be slightly darker. Skin tags are symptomatic of insulin resistance, but not all men with skin tags have the disorder.
Waist Circumference of 40 Inches
A waist circumference of 40 inches or more is a sign of possible insulin resistance and Metabolic Syndrome in a man, according to NDIC. Obesity is an even stronger indicator of these conditions.
Acne
Another symptom that can indicate insulin resistance in a man is a large amount of acne on the face, chest, neck or back area. This sign is only significant if the man is in his middle 20s or beyond.
Fatigue
According to Pre-Diabetes, fatigue is a symptom of insulin resistance. A man may find himself resting more often than usual or becoming more tired after exercising. He may begin limiting his physical activities and have trouble sleeping at night.
Moodiness
Common signs of insulin resistance include mood swings and depression. The true cause for these symptoms is often overlooked by patients and clinicians.
Appetite Changes
A man with insulin resistance may find himself craving starches and sweets. This hunger for carbohydrates may be accompanied by excessive thirst.
Sleep Apnea
According to the "American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine," a 2002 study by the University of Hong Kong Department of Medicine found a link between insulin resistance and men having periods of apnea (not breathing) during sleep. No one has yet proven whether one condition causes the other, but men with sleep apnea are more likely than other men to suffer from insulin resistance.
Impotence
Erectile dysfunction is another symptom of insulin resistance. This can be the most unsettling symptom and, like the other symptoms, may be reversible or correctable with proper medical treatment.
