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Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
6 warning signs of insulin resistance you can't ignore
Insulin is a vital hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a key role in regulating your body's blood sugar levels. After you eat, carbohydrates from food are broken down into glucose, which enters your bloodstream. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Insulin acts like a key, helping glucose enter your body's cells where it can be used as energy. However, according to research done by , in insulin resistance, the cells become less sensitive to insulin's effects. This means that glucose struggles to enter the cells and remains in the bloodstream, leading to higher blood sugar levels. To compensate, the pancreas produces even more insulin to try and overcome this resistance. On August 6, Dr Kunal Sood dropped a crucial Instagram post that's a must-know for anyone concerned about their health. He revealed six sneaky signs of insulin resistance, symptoms that often fly under the radar but can quietly sabotage your wellbeing. Insulin resistance happens when your body's cells stop responding to insulin properly, causing blood sugar to spike and raising your risk of type 2 diabetes and other serious health issues. Spotting these signs early can make all the difference. If you're battling stubborn belly fat, uncontrollable cravings for carbs or sweets, or constant thirst, it's time to pay attention. Let's dive into the six key warning signs of insulin resistance and what they mean for your health. 6 signs you might have insulin resistance Increased belly fat One of the most visible signs is excess fat accumulation around the abdomen. Belly fat is not just a cosmetic issue; it is linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Studies done by confirm that insulin resistance can encourage fat storage in this area. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Cravings for carbs and sugar Strong cravings for sugary foods and carbohydrates may indicate that your body is struggling to manage blood sugar levels effectively. These cravings can create a vicious cycle of overeating and worsening insulin resistance. Excessive thirst and frequent urination High blood sugar levels pull fluid from your tissues, making you feel thirsty and causing more frequent urination. This is your body's way of trying to get rid of excess glucose through urine. Fatigue and brain fog According to a study done by , when your cells aren't absorbing glucose properly, your body and brain don't get enough energy, leading to tiredness and difficulty concentrating. Darkened skin patches (Acanthosis Nigricans) Look out for thick, dark patches of skin, especially around the neck, armpits, or groin. According to a study in , these can be a sign of insulin resistance and should not be ignored. Elevated blood sugar or insulin levels Routine blood tests might reveal higher-than-normal blood sugar or insulin levels, confirming insulin resistance even before symptoms appear. Why early detection for insulin resistance matters Catching insulin resistance early can help prevent progression to type 2 diabetes and reduce risks of heart disease and other complications. Lifestyle changes such as improved diet, regular exercise, and weight management can significantly improve insulin sensitivity. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for proper testing and guidance. Early intervention can make a big difference in managing and reversing insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a common but often overlooked condition with serious health implications. By recognizing these six key signs, increased belly fat, sugar cravings, excessive thirst, fatigue, darkened skin patches, and abnormal blood tests, you can take proactive steps towards better health. Stay informed, listen to your body, and don't hesitate to seek medical advice when needed. Also read|
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
8 unusual symptoms of diabetes seen in younger people
Diabetes is seen as a condition that affects older adults. But in recent years, a growing number of younger individuals—some even in their teens—are being diagnosed with it. And the tricky part? The symptoms don't always look like the textbook ones. Many early warning signs in younger people can be subtle, strange, or mistaken for something else entirely. These odd little signs may seem unrelated, but together they might reveal a larger health story that shouldn't be ignored. This isn't about causing fear—it's about creating awareness. Because sometimes, it's the least expected signs that need the closest attention. Dark skin patches on the neck or armpits It's often believed these patches come from dirt, friction, or lack of hygiene. These velvety, darker skin areas are called Acanthosis Nigricans, and they are often linked to insulin resistance—a key marker of type 2 diabetes. When insulin levels are abnormally high, it triggers skin cells to reproduce quickly, leading to thicker and darker skin in folds. For younger people, this may appear early and be one of the first silent signs. It doesn't itch, hurt, or cause discomfort—but it shouldn't be ignored. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Frequent mood swings or irritability It's just a 'bad day' or teenage hormones acting up. When blood sugar fluctuates, it doesn't just affect the body—it affects the brain. Sudden mood changes, irritability, or even unexplained sadness may be tied to unstable glucose levels. For younger individuals, this may be dismissed as emotional turbulence, but behind that irritation could be a metabolic imbalance struggling to stay hidden. Strong sugar cravings: Even after meals A sweet tooth or just poor eating habits. Persistent cravings for sugary foods, especially right after meals, may be a subtle cry from the body that insulin isn't working well. Normally, after a meal, glucose levels should stabilize. But when insulin resistance develops, cells don't absorb sugar properly, leaving the body still craving more—even when it's technically full. This odd loop can be a red flag in younger people who feel 'never satisfied' after eating. Frequent yeast infections or skin rashes Just a hygiene or climate issue. High blood sugar can create an ideal environment for yeast to thrive, especially in moist areas like underarms, groin, or even between fingers and toes. In young people, recurring fungal infections, unexplained itching, or red patches may seem like minor skin issues. But underneath, they could be pointing towards elevated glucose levels in the bloodstream that weaken skin defenses. Blurred vision that comes and goes Eye strain from screens or sleep deprivation. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can affect the eye lens, changing its shape temporarily and causing vision to blur on and off. This isn't about long-term damage—it's about short-term blurriness that seems to 'magically' clear up. In younger people, especially students and professionals glued to screens, this may be mistaken as digital fatigue. But the pattern often repeats without an obvious cause. Losing weight without trying is not a good sign. Sudden, unintentional weight loss can be a warning sign. Sudden weight loss without trying A fast metabolism or being 'naturally thin.' When the body can't get energy from sugar (glucose), it starts breaking down muscle and fat for fuel. This can lead to unexplained weight loss—even if the person is eating more than usual. In younger individuals, this might look like a positive change. Compliments might pour in. But it's crucial to understand that unplanned weight loss, especially when combined with fatigue and thirst, could signal a deeper issue. Constant thirst paired with dry mouth Summer heat, dehydration, or too much salty food. Excess glucose in the blood pulls water from tissues, leaving the body dehydrated. The kidneys also work harder to remove that sugar, leading to frequent urination and increased thirst. This constant need to drink water—even right after sipping—paired with a dry, sticky mouth could be an early diabetic sign. In younger people, it's easy to overlook or blame it on daily habits, but if it becomes routine, it's worth investigating. Feeling unusually tired or weak, even after rest Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest A result of a busy schedule, stress, or lack of sleep. When glucose isn't properly absorbed by cells, the body simply doesn't get the fuel it needs. This can lead to constant tiredness—even after sleeping well or taking breaks. In younger people, this can be particularly confusing. When there's no clear reason for being exhausted all the time, and even caffeine fails to help, it may be linked to a deeper imbalance in energy metabolism. It's important not to self-diagnose, but it's equally important to listen. Because health doesn't always come with a warning bell—but it often leaves clues. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
