Insulin Resistance (Page 2 of 2)

.What are risk factors for insulin resistance?

Many of the risk factors are the same as they are for developing diabetes. Women who are overweight, especially with central obesity, a strong family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes in pregnancy, hypertension, women with dyslipidemia especially having low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides, and women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Another strong predictor is a skin change called acanthosis nigricans which is a velvety, mossy, flat warty-like, darkened skin change occurring at the neck, the armpits (axillae) and underneath the breasts. Almost 90% of women with these skin changes have insulin Resistance. Additionally, insulin resistance may be worsened by reduced physical activity, aging, tobacco smoking, or drugs such as diuretics, certain anti-hypertensives, or steroids

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