It is important to reverse insulin resistance because otherwise this condition will cause prediabetes, then type 2 diabetes, a serious life-long condition. Everyone's body produces this hormone, which works to make glucose in the blood enter the muscle, fat and liver cells. However, if these cells do not respond correctly to the hormone released, the pancreas have to make more and more. Eventually, they are no longer able to make enough, leading to too much glucose in the blood.

There are lots of different causes of this condition, and it's more common among certain races of people than others, and in the older population. Some hormones and medicines, particularly steroids, can make it more likely. Being overweight, and the sleep disorder, sleep apnoea, which is linked to obesity, are connected, as is smoking cigarettes or pipes. It is important to consult a doctor for advice, but there are several life style changes which can greatly help this condition.

People who are very unfit should take particular attention to see a doctor and ask for advice on taking exercise. Some of the cells glucose moves into from the blood stream are muscle cells, and the more muscles move, and the more muscle mass there is in the body, the less the likelihood of glucose build-up in the blood. Exercise designed to increase muscle mass is obviously a great idea, as is aerobic exercise. Some people may be too unfit to suddenly take up running or weight lifting, but anyone can start with a few gentle walks, as this is a small step in the right direction.

There is a link between this condition and being overweight, especially if the person can be described as 'apple shaped', with a lot of fat on their belly. This fat does much more than looking unattractive; it produces hormones that can upset the body's workings. Doctors often run clinics to help with weight loss, and obviously weight loss, combined with exercises designed to target the middle, are great steps to take to relieve this condition.

People who smoke should plan to stop because smoking is another thing that can cause this condition, as well as other serious diseases. There are a wide variety of products and medications available to help quit. If someone is struggling to give up it is worthwhile visiting a health-care professional for help and advice.

Some have suggested a deficiency in vitamin D may be a problem but it is wise to speak to your doctor before starting supplements. On the whole, dark skinned indoor workers, living in countries with low sun levels, are the most at risk. Deficiencies can also be addressed by diet as well as spending more time outdoors.

Diet, not only for weight loss, is important. People should try to avoid the sudden rises of blood sugar associated with eating lots of refined, processed foods, because these are harder for the body to deal with. Eating a low carbohydrate diet is sensible, and should also help with weight loss because low carbohydrate foods release energy slowly, which also keeps hunger pangs at bay. Sticking to low fat, in order to help lower cholesterol, helps too.

There are plenty of ways to reverse insulin resistance. These all involve taking care to live a healthy life, which has the benefit of making people feel better as well as avoiding becoming diabetic. Healthy diets and exercise can also help prevent a wide variety of other health conditions.