Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance means the body's cells do not respond normally to insulin, so the pancreas must secrete more to keep blood sugar controlled. Over time, this compensatory mechanism fails, leading to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is also central to metabolic syndrome, PCOS, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular risk.
When to Book
Book a visit if symptoms are new, persistent, getting worse, or affecting daily life. Early evaluation often prevents complications.
Symptoms
Fatigue especially after carbohydrate-rich meals, difficulty losing weight despite caloric restriction, cravings for sugar or starch, brain fog, acanthosis nigricans (dark velvety skin in body folds), skin tags, and irregular menstrual cycles in women.
Causes & Risk Factors
Visceral adiposity is the strongest modifiable risk factor. Other contributors include physical inactivity, poor sleep quality, chronic stress, high-fructose diet, smoking, and genetic predisposition. Certain medications (corticosteroids, antipsychotics) can worsen insulin sensitivity.
How We Evaluate
We assess fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and calculate the HOMA-IR index. A1C, lipid panel, and liver enzymes complete the metabolic picture. In women we screen for PCOS markers.
Treatment Options
Weight loss of 5–10% significantly improves insulin sensitivity. Low-glycemic nutrition, resistance training, and improved sleep duration are first-line. Metformin reduces hepatic glucose output and can lower fasting insulin. GLP-1 agonists address insulin resistance alongside weight loss. Myo-inositol is used adjunctively in PCOS.
When It Is Urgent
Insulin resistance alone is not an emergency. Seek prompt care if fasting glucose exceeds 200 mg/dL, or if you develop symptoms of hypoglycemia (shakiness, sweating, confusion) while on medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see an endocrinology provider?
No referral is needed at Nomi Beach Health. You can book directly with our team for hormone, thyroid, metabolic, or weight-management concerns.
How long does it take to see results from treatment?
Timeline depends on the condition. Thyroid medication often improves symptoms within four to eight weeks. Weight-loss interventions show measurable changes in four to twelve weeks. Hormone therapy timelines vary by the specific condition and individual response.
Will I need labs before my first visit?
You can come in without prior labs — we order whatever is appropriate during or after your visit. If you have recent results, bring them so we can start the conversation right away.
Are these conditions managed long-term or treated once?
Most endocrine and metabolic conditions require ongoing management rather than a single treatment. We build a follow-up schedule around your specific diagnosis and goals.
Can I be seen for weight loss even if I do not have a hormone diagnosis?
Yes. We evaluate weight holistically — including metabolic markers, lifestyle factors, and, when appropriate, medication options such as GLP-1 agonists.
Get a Clear Plan for Insulin Resistance
Our endocrinology team evaluates you as an individual and builds a treatment plan that fits your life — not a template.