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Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance           As many of you may know, November is American Diabetes Month. Today we’ll give you a quick overview of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes most commonly occurs in people over 40 years of age, but is becoming more common in younger people. It is the result of a process known as insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is the body’s inability to properly respond to insulin. When we eat, our blood glucose levels increase, the body’s response to this increase in blood glucose (sugar) is to release insulin from the pancreas. Insulin is necessary to allow the glucose to go from the blood stream into the cells. Once inside the cells, the glucose is used for energy. Insulin resistance means that your body doesn’t respond to insulin the way it should. Basically the glucose is “stuck” in the bloodstream because the body ignores the insulin that you naturally produce. This results in increased blood glucose (sugar) levels. Prolonged elevations in blood glucose can lead to damage in the heart, eyes, kidneys and nerves.        So how does one know if they have insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes? A normal fasting (no food or drink for at least 8 hours) blood glucose is 65-99. People with diabetes need to have two fasting blood glucoses of 126 or higher. The next logical question is, “What about those with a fasting blood sugar of 100-125?” Those whose fasting blood sugars are routinely between 100-125 have insulin resistance and are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. People with insulin resistance are also known as “pre-diabetics”. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance include obesity, inactivity, family history of diabetes, and a personal history of pregnancy induced diabetes. Not all people with insulin resistance are destined to develop diabetes; there are ways to help prevent type 2 diabetes. If you believe you or your loved one is developing or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, please contact the TCH Medical Clinic at 368-9964. Derek Nelson, PA-C, MPAS