Insulin resistance poses a risk of worsening health, even in people with apparently no medical problems.

Why it matters
In France, more than three million people are treated for diabetes. Diabetes is a risk factor for other diseases. For example, diabetes and obesity are associated with cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and mortality in general.

Insulin resistance is often a condition that precedes the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. In people who are resistant to insulin, this hypoglycemic hormone has less of an effect on the cells, so they absorb less. of glucose. Consequence: blood sugar remains high.

But are insulin resistant people who appear “healthy” at risk?

What the study shows
This study was carried out by researchers from the NIH (National Institute of Health) who relied on the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) database. NHANES started in 1999 and is used for many observational studies.

The researchers analyzed data on the insulin sensitivity of more than 20,000 people: about 9,200 healthy people, 7,700 with prediabetes and 3,400 people with diabetes. The authors used the HOMA index (HOMA-IR) as a tool, which is calculated by multiplying fasting blood sugar by the level of insulin in the fasting blood (insulinemia). People with high fasting blood sugar and insulinemia have a high HOMA index: they are insulin resistant.

Participants were classified into four groups based on their sensitivity to insulin. Switching to the slightly more insulin resistant group increased the risk of developing health problems by 28%. People who were more resistant to insulin were more likely to be overweight or obese, and to have a taller waistline. There was also a link between insulin resistance and liver problems, as shown by liver markers in the blood.

The results show that people who are insulin resistant but apparently healthy are at greater risk for their health to deteriorate. Long before a diagnosis of diabetes, insulin resistant patients are already at risk for poorer health.

The authors suggest that insulin levels should be analyzed to find out a patient’s risk factors, even if they appear healthy.

In practice
If you have insulin resistance, it is advisable to change your diet to prevent the situation from evolving into type 2 diabetes. To do this, limit carbohydrate intake, choose good quality carbohydrates (with a glycemic index). low or moderate), eat more fiber (green vegetables, seeds and legumes) and “good fats”.

Here are some diets that can help:

• The vegetarian diet: The vegetarian diet good for the line and for insulin
• A low carb diet, like the ketogenic diet: The ketogenic diet lowers belly fat and insulin
• Intermittent fasting: Intermittent fasting can prevent insulin resistance
• The low glycemic index diet
  Sedentary lifestyle is also a risk factor for insulin resistance.