Insulin resistance is a reduced sensitivity of the body's cells to the hormone insulin. Muscles, liver and fatty tissue are particularly affected. The cells absorb less glucose from the blood, even though there is enough insulin. The pancreas tries to compensate for this by increasing insulin production.
Causes and risk factors
Insulin resistance usually develops over years. Important risk factors are:
- Excess weight, especially visceral belly fat
- Lack of exercise
- Genetic predisposition
- High consumption of refined carbohydrates and saturated fats
- Chronic inflammatory processes in the body
- Hormonal disorders (e.g. PCOS)
Pathophysiology
In insulin resistance, signal transmission to the cells is disrupted. The glucose transporters (GLUT4) are only inadequately incorporated into the cell membrane. Despite high insulin levels, blood sugar levels remain elevated.
Diagnostic parameters
| Parameters | Typical finding in insulin resistance |
|---|---|
| fasting insulin | Increased |
| HOMA index | > 2,5 |
| Triglycerides | Increased |
| HDL cholesterol | Humiliated |
Consequences and complications
If left untreated, insulin resistance can lead to the following conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women
Therapy and countermeasures
Insulin sensitivity can usually be significantly improved through lifestyle changes:
- Weight loss – especially belly fat
- Regular exercise – Combination of strength and endurance training
- Diet change – more fiber, fewer refined carbohydrates
- Medication such as metformin if medically necessary
Further information:
→ Diabetes mellitus – knowledge and overview
→ Why hyporest
→ Type 2 diabetes
Sources
- German Diabetes Society (DDG). S3 guideline “Diabetes mellitus type 2”. As of 2025. Available at: www.deutsche-diabetes-gesellschaft.de/leitlinien.
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2026. Diabetes Care. 2026;49(Suppl 1). Available at: diabetesjournals.org.
- Robert Koch Institute (RKI). Federal health reporting – diabetes mellitus in Germany. Berlin 2024.
- International Diabetes Federation (IDF). IDF Diabetes Atlas. 11th edition. Brussels 2025. Available at: diabetesatlas.org.
Important note:
The information in this encyclopedia article is intended solely for general and non-binding information. They do not replace medical advice, diagnosis or therapy. If you have any health questions or complaints, please always consult a doctor or qualified healthcare professional. The content was created with the greatest possible care, but errors cannot be completely ruled out.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
