What Is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin resistance is a condition in which cells respond poorly to insulin, forcing the pancreas to produce more of it to keep blood sugar in check. Over time, this can lead to elevated blood sugar, increased fat storage, and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
Insulin is the hormone that lets cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream for energy or storage. When cells stop responding to it efficiently — often the result of chronically high blood sugar, excess body fat, or a sedentary lifestyle — the pancreas compensates by pumping out more insulin, and elevated insulin levels make it harder for the body to access stored fat for fuel. This is one of the key reasons low-carb approaches like keto, and meal-timing strategies like intermittent fasting, are often discussed in the context of weight loss: by keeping insulin levels lower and more stable, they can help improve the body's sensitivity to it over time.