A closer look revealed a new form of the ChREBP gene, ChREBP- β, that begins from a different DNA start site than the previously known one, ChREBP- α, and makes a more active form of the protein. The researchers found that expression of ChREBP- β isn't induced directly by GLUT4 but by ChREBP- α.

This means that increased glucose transport into fat cells activates ChREBP and leads it to produce another, more potent version of itself.

Mice fed a high-fat diet showed reduced adipose ChREBP- β expression, while ChREBP- αlevels remained unchanged. This suggests that ChREBP- β may play a role in insulin resistance. When the researchers examined obese people, they found that expression of ChREBP -β, but not ChREBP- α, in adipose tissue predicts insulin sensitivity.

This research revealed a new molecular player in fat cell insulin sensitivity. ChREBP- β might one day prove to be a good drug target to help treat or prevent type 2 diabetes.

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April 9, Understanding Insulin Sensitivity and Diabetes. Connect with Us Contact Us X Facebook Instagram YouTube Flickr More Social Media from NIH. Some women develop insulin resistance while they are pregnant.

This is called gestational diabetes. Certain diseases are associated with insulin resistance. That includes heart disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease , and polycystic ovary syndrome. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, your personal and family medical history, evaluate your weight, and take your blood pressure.

Diagnosing insulin resistance requires a blood test. This might be done through a small finger prick or by having a small needle inserted into a vein to take a sample of blood.

You will often be required to fast avoid eating or drinking anything except water 8 hours before the test. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for testing.

It will test your fasting blood sugar. Your doctor also may have the lab check your cholesterol levels from the same blood sample. People with insulin resistance often have high cholesterol. Your doctor will also test your hemoglobin A1C level as part of the diagnostic workup.

This is a similar blood test that offers the doctor a look at how your sugar levels have been during the past 3 months. The American Academy of Family Physicians AAFP recommends blood glucose screening of all pregnant women for gestational diabetes after the 24th week of pregnancy. Also, the AAFP recommends blood glucose screening for adults age 40 to 70 years who are overweight or have obesity and may be at risk of heart disease.

You cannot prevent or avoid risk factors such as race, age, and a family medical history. Choose healthy carbohydrates. For example, eat whole grain bread instead of white bread, drink water instead of soda, and reduce your intake of sugary foods.

If you have or have had gestational diabetes, insulin resistance typically goes away after you give birth. However, you are at greater risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when you are older.

That should be a warning to change your diet and lifestyle early so that you can delay it for as long as possible. Diet, weight loss, and exercise can improve insulin resistance.

However, most people need medicine as well. Your doctor may prescribe a medicine that works best for your health and lifestyle needs.

If your insulin resistance leads to uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, you may need insulin given through a pump or daily injection. Living with insulin resistance requires lifestyle changes as well as regular use of prescription medicine.

You will have to be more careful in making meal and snack choices, reading labels, and maintaining a lower weight.

You also will have to commit to regular exercise and take your medicines as prescribed. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Diabetes: Insulin Resistance and Diabetes.

National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Prediabetes. This article was contributed by: familydoctor. org editorial staff. This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone.

Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that provides calories for your body to use as energy.

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