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Insulin Resistance Singapore

Insulin resistance occurs when your body’s cells don’t respond properly to insulin, a hormone that helps glucose (sugar) enter your cells for energy. When this happens, your pancreas produces more insulin to try to overcome this resistance, leading to higher insulin levels in your blood.

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Dr Adrian Mondry
Physician (FRG) | MD (HHU Düsseldorf) | MRCP (London) | IM Specialist (ÄKNo) | Hypertensiologist (DHL)
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Symptoms Causes Methods Treatment Prevention FAQ
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Symptoms
Causes
Methods
Treatment
Prevention
FAQ

Symptoms of Insulin Resistance

Many people with insulin resistance don’t experience noticeable symptoms in the early stages, but some signs may develop as the condition progresses.

  • Increased hunger and cravings

    You may feel hungry more often than usual, particularly craving sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods, even shortly after eating.

  • Fatigue and low energy

    Feeling tired or sluggish throughout the day is common, as your cells aren’t receiving glucose(a type of sugar your body uses for energy) efficiently for energy.

  • Difficulty losing weight

    Weight loss may become more challenging, and you might notice weight gain around your midsection despite maintaining your usual diet and activity levels.

  • Dark patches of skin

    Areas of darkened, velvety skin may appear around your neck, armpits, or groin.

  • Increased thirst and frequent urination

    You may find yourself drinking more fluids and needing to urinate more often than normal.

  • Difficulty concentrating

    Mental fogginess or trouble focusing on tasks can occur when blood sugar levels fluctuate.

Causes and Risk Factors of Insulin Resistance

Several factors can contribute to the development of insulin resistance, often working together rather than in isolation.

  • Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen

    Carrying extra weight, especially belly fat, increases the likelihood of developing insulin resistance. Fat cells around the abdomen release substances that can interfere with insulin’s ability to work properly.

  • Physical inactivity

    A sedentary lifestyle reduces your muscles’ ability to use glucose effectively.

  • Family history of diabetes

    Having parents or siblings with type 2 diabetes increases your risk due to genetic factors that influence how your body processes insulin.

  • Age

    The risk of insulin resistance increases with age, particularly after 45 years, partly due to natural changes in muscle mass and activity levels.

  • Certain medical conditions

    Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), sleep apnoea, and high blood pressure are associated with increased insulin resistance.

  • Chronic stress

    Long-term stress can lead to consistently elevated cortisol levels (a hormone linked to stress and energy.), which may interfere with insulin’s effectiveness in your body.

Testing Methods

Healthcare professionals use several tests and assessments to identify insulin resistance and determine the best course of treatment for your individual situation.

Blood glucose tests

These tests measure the amount of sugar in your blood, either after fasting overnight or following a glucose drink. Elevated levels may indicate that your body isn’t processing glucose properly.

HbA1c test

This blood test shows your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It provides a broader picture of how well your body has been managing glucose over time.

Insulin level testing

A blood test that measures the amount of insulin in your blood can help determine if your pancreas is producing too much insulin to compensate for resistance.

Physical examination and medical history

Your doctor will examine you for physical signs such as dark skin patches and discuss your symptoms, family history, and lifestyle factors.

Blood pressure measurement

Regular monitoring helps identify related heart health risks, as high blood pressure commonly occurs alongside insulin resistance.

Cholesterol and lipid profile

Blood tests to check your cholesterol levels can reveal patterns often associated with insulin resistance, such as low HDL (good cholesterol) and high triglycerides (unhealthy fats in your body).

Are you struggling with constant fatigue, weight gain, or sugar cravings?

Consult our accredited specialist for comprehensive insulin resistance testing today.

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Treatment Options

A combination of medications and lifestyle changes can help your body respond better to insulin and manage related health issues:

Medication to support insulin function

Your doctor may prescribe medicine that helps your body use insulin more effectively and reduces the amount of sugar made by your liver. This is often the first step in treatment if lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough.

Blood pressure control

If you also have high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend blood pressure medications to help lower it. Keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range helps protect your heart and kidneys.

Cholesterol management

If your cholesterol levels are high, your doctor may suggest medication to bring them down. This reduces your risk of heart problems and supports overall health.

Dietary counselling and nutrition planning

Structured guidance on meal planning, carbohydrate counting, and portion control helps stabilise blood sugar levels through sustainable eating patterns.

Exercise prescription and monitoring

Tailored physical activity recommendations help improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health, with regular monitoring to ensure your exercise plan remains appropriate.

Prevention and Management

Maintaining a healthy weight through regular physical activity and a balanced diet rich in whole foods whilst limiting processed foods and added sugars can help prevent insulin resistance from developing or worsening.

Regular monitoring of blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels allows for early detection of changes, whilst taking prescribed medications as directed and attending scheduled follow-up appointments helps maintain optimal condition management and prevent progression to type 2 diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can insulin resistance be reversed completely?

With appropriate lifestyle changes and medical management, insulin sensitivity can improve significantly, though ongoing management may always be needed to maintain optimal metabolic health.

How long does it take to see improvements with treatment?

Blood sugar levels often begin to improve within 2-4 weeks of starting treatment, whilst more substantial metabolic changes typically occur over 3-6 months with consistent management.

Will I develop type 2 diabetes if I have insulin resistance?

Many people with insulin resistance can prevent progression to diabetes through effective management, including medication when appropriate and sustained lifestyle modifications.

Does insulin resistance affect other health conditions?

Yes, insulin resistance often occurs alongside high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and increased heart health risk, which is why comprehensive monitoring and treatment address multiple factors together.

Is it normal to feel more tired when starting treatment?

Some people experience temporary fatigue as their body adjusts to medication or dietary changes, but this usually improves within a few weeks as blood sugar levels stabilise.

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Dr Adrian Mondry

Physician (FRG)|MD (HHU Düsseldorf)|Specialist for Internal Medicine (ÄKNo)|Hypertensiologist (DHL)|MRCP (London)

Dr. Mondry has over 30 years of experience as an internal medicine & hypertension specialist.

  • Previously a Senior Consultant in the Department of Medicine at the National University Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, where he is currently a visiting consultant.

  • Hypertension Specialist accredited by the German Hypertension League (DHL)

  • Contributed to the latest Singapore ACE Clinical Guidance on “Hypertension – Tailoring the Management Plan to Optimise Blood Pressure Control” as a committee member.

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