Why Can Even Thin People Develop It?

Many people believe that insulin resistance only affects individuals who are overweight or obese. However, this is not entirely true. Today, doctors encounter many people with a normal body weight whose test results show that their bodies are not responding properly to insulin.

Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells become less sensitive to insulin. As a result, the pancreas has to produce more insulin to keep blood glucose levels under control. If this condition persists, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease may increase.

One of the contributing factors is visceral fat. A person may appear slim but still have excessive fat stored around their internal organs. Low muscle mass, physical inactivity, insufficient sleep, chronic stress, and family history can also contribute to the development of insulin resistance.

The good news is that insulin resistance can often be improved. Strength training, regular aerobic exercise, reducing the consumption of simple sugars, increasing fiber intake, and getting adequate sleep are among the most effective strategies for improving insulin sensitivity.

This is why looking only at body weight or Body Mass Index (BMI) is not enough. Metabolic health is far more important than the number you see on the scale.

References

• Diabetes Care

• American Diabetes Association

• Nature Reviews Endocrinology

• The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology