Insulin resistance: the warning sign many Malaysians miss
Medical experts warn that insulin resistance is a common, often silent precursor to diabetes, frequently linked to obesity, poor sleep, and stress. Early detection and lifestyle management are critical to preventing the progression to chronic metabolic diseases.
Why it matters
Public health awareness regarding pre-diabetic conditions is essential for reducing the global burden of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells become less responsive to the hormone, forcing the body to work harder to keep blood sugar levels under control. (Envato Elements pic)
KUALA LUMPUR: Many people associate diabetes with high blood sugar levels, medication and dietary restrictions. What fewer people realise is that long before diabetes develops, the body often gives subtle warning signs that something is wrong.
One of the most common is insulin resistance, a condition that occurs when the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, forcing the body to work harder to keep blood sugar levels under control.
According to Dr Norlaila Mustafa, a senior consultant in medicine and endocrinology, insulin resistance is particularly common among people living with obesity.
“Almost all individuals with obesity experience insulin resistance, but that does not necessarily mean they have diabetes,” she told Bernama.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in