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Insulin Resistance: Symptoms, Causes, Tests, Treatment

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.