Obesity is the most common cause of insulin resistance (IR), a disorder in which the action of the body's insulin or administered insulin is resisted. This results in hyperglycaernia or excess of glucose in the blood. Insulin resistance is found in obese individuals, diabetics, women with hirsutism, amongst others. IR is also seen in individuals suffering from fat depletion syndrome, pineal hypertrophy and autosomal recessive disorders like Alstrom syndrome characterized by childhood blindness, IR may be inherited or acquired.

Symptoms ::
Tiredness, weakness and frequent urination. When IR occurs in disease other than diabetes, a brown to black hyperpigmentation of the skin may be present.

Management ::
Diet, physical exercise and a change in lifestyle are an integral part of managing IR. Obese patients would require to lose weight. Diabetics, require a much higher dosage of insulin. Oral hyperglycaemic drugs may be called for .Consult your doctor for more information.