Risk Factors and Causes of Insulin Resistance
The following situations can increase the chances of the condition:
- Obesity, mostly belly fat
- Dormant lifestyle
- Diet high in carbohydrate [4]
- Gestational diabetes
- Medical condition such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and polycystic ovary syndrome
- Smoking
- A family history of diabetes
- Sleep issues such as sleep apnea
- Drugs such as steroids, antipsychotics and HIV medications
- Hormonal problems such as Cushing’s syndrome and acromegaly
- Age: This condition is more likely to occur after 45
- Africans, Latinos or native American are more susceptible to the condition
Testing normally starts at the age of 40, but your doctor may recommend one at a young age if you have the following:
- A sedentary or dormant lifestyle
- A low HDL (good cholesterol) or high triglyceride level
- Symptoms of prediabetes
- Stroke [5]
- Given birth to a baby heavier than 9 pounds
- Gestational diabetes (a temporary issue that causes diabetes in pregnant women)
- High blood pressure (140/90 mm Hg or above)
- A family member with diabetes
Children between age 10 and 18 should test for diabetes, especially if they are overweight and have low or more risk factors for diabetes.