A recent study conducted by Shandong University in China has uncovered a significant link between insulin resistance and a higher risk of multiple diseases and early death in women. The research brings attention to the broader health impacts of insulin resistance, a condition most commonly associated with diabetes but now recognized as contributing to a range of other health concerns.
Insulin resistance happens when the body’s cells—particularly those in the muscles, fat, and liver—do not respond effectively to the hormone insulin. This impairs the cells’ ability to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. Although scientists do not fully understand all the factors that cause insulin resistance, it is widely believed that excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle play key roles, according to the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
The Far-Reaching Effects of Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance has long been known as a primary factor in diabetes, but this new study highlights its connection to a much broader set of health issues. Lead researcher Jing Wu from Shandong Provincial Hospital in Jinan explained that the study found insulin resistance is associated with 26 different diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, gout, and sciatica.
By evaluating data from nearly 430,000 participants in the UK Biobank, a major health database, the researchers discovered that insulin resistance is not only linked to these conditions but also contributes to a greater risk of early death in women. The study participants, aged 40 to 69, had their insulin resistance measured using the TyG index, which is calculated by looking at blood sugar and fat levels, including cholesterol.
Increased Disease Risk and Mortality in Women
The study tracked participants over a 13-year period and found that higher levels of insulin resistance were most commonly observed in men, smokers, older adults, and people with obesity or low physical activity levels. However, the most alarming findings were related to women: each one-unit increase in insulin resistance was associated with an 11% higher risk of death in women, a link that was not found in men.
In addition, the research showed that insulin resistance significantly increases the chances of developing a wide range of health conditions. For example, a one-unit increase in insulin resistance was linked to a 65% higher risk of gout and a 10% increased risk of sciatica. The strongest correlation, however, was with diabetes, where individuals with insulin resistance were found to be 166% more likely to develop the disease.
On the positive side, insulin resistance appeared to decrease the risk of certain conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, anemia, and osteoporosis, by as much as 16%. Nevertheless, the overall findings demonstrate a clear need for greater awareness of the health risks posed by insulin resistance.
The Importance of Early Intervention and Prevention
Jing Wu emphasized that understanding and monitoring insulin resistance can be a crucial tool in predicting and preventing a range of diseases. “By assessing insulin resistance levels, we can identify individuals at risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease and obesity,” Wu said. “This provides a valuable opportunity for early intervention, which could help reduce disease risk and guide new approaches to treatment and prevention.”
Although the study did not explore specific methods for improving insulin resistance, previous research has shown that lifestyle changes—such as maintaining regular physical activity and following a healthy diet low in added sugars and refined carbohydrates—can help manage and even reduce insulin resistance.
The findings of this important study will be presented at the upcoming Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Spain, drawing attention to the broader impacts of insulin resistance on public health.
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