Physician Dr Kunal Sood lists 6 signs of insulin resistance; explains why increasing waist size deserves your attention

Insulin resistance shows multiple symptoms, from increasing belly fat to dark patches in skin folds, warns Dr Kunal Sood.

Insulin resistance is a condition in which muscle, fat, and liver cells do not respond well to the pancreatic hormone insulin and cannot readily take up glucose from the blood. To compensate, the pancreas makes more insulin.

The condition is a known precursor to prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic issues. Taking to Instagram on August 10, Dr Kunal Sood, a Maryland-based physician in Anesthesiology and Interventional Pain Medicine, listed six signs of insulin resistance to be aware of.

1. Increased belly fat

High insulin levels promote fat storage, especially around the abdomen, pointed out Dr Sood. When cells stop responding well to insulin, the body compensates by producing more of it. This excess insulin signals fat cells, particularly in the abdominal region, to store more energy. “Over time, visceral fat builds up, increasing inflammation and the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease,” he warned.

2. Acanthosis nigricans (darkened skin folds)

Insulin resistance also leads to elevated insulin in the bloodstream. As Dr Sood explained, “High insulin can bind to insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) receptors on skin cells, stimulating rapid growth and causing thick, velvety patches, typically on the neck, underarms, or groin.”

3. Fatigue after meals

Insulin-resistant cells do not absorb glucose effectively, even when blood sugar is high. This means that the cells remain energy-deprived, making a person with the condition feel sluggish. “On top of that, insulin spikes can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar (reactive hypoglycemia), leading to post-meal crashes, irritability, and tiredness,” shared the physician.

4. Cravings for carbs or sugar

Insulin resistance often causes unstable blood sugar levels. “After eating, sharp insulin spikes can cause blood sugar dips, triggering rebound cravings for more sugar or starch to restore energy balance,” noted Dr Sood.

5. Skin tags (acrochordons)

Skin tags are small, soft growths that commonly appear in skin folds. “Chronically high insulin acts as a growth factor, promoting excessive cell proliferation in the skin,” noted Dr Sood. “This is believed to occur through elevated IGF-1 and reduced IGF-binding proteins, which normally help regulate cell growth.”

6. Increased thirst

In the words of Dr Sood, “As blood sugar stays high, the kidneys attempt to flush out the excess by increasing urine production. This causes fluid loss, leading to dehydration. The resulting thirst is the body’s way of trying to restore hydration, but the cycle can continue if high glucose isn’t addressed.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

Dr Kunal Sood, MD, is a double board-certified physician in Anesthesiology and Interventional Pain Medicine. He did his residency and fellowship in anesthesiology at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, followed by a one-year fellowship in interventional pain medicine. He later became the Medical Director of the office in Germantown, Maryland.