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Cortisol Induced Insulin Resistance

Meaning

Cortisol Induced Insulin Resistance is a specific metabolic condition where persistently elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol impair the body’s cellular response to insulin, reducing glucose uptake by muscle and fat tissues. This leads to higher circulating blood glucose levels and forces the pancreas to secrete excessive insulin to compensate, a state known as hyperinsulinemia. Clinically, this is a significant mechanism linking chronic psychological or physiological stress directly to the development of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes risk. The phenomenon underscores the powerful, direct influence of the stress response on carbohydrate metabolism.