Skip to main content

Insulin Sensitivity Impairment

Meaning

Insulin sensitivity impairment, commonly known as insulin resistance, is a pathophysiological condition where peripheral target cells in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver exhibit a diminished biological response to the action of circulating insulin. This reduced cellular efficiency forces the pancreatic beta cells to compensate by secreting pathologically higher levels of insulin, a state termed compensatory hyperinsulinemia. It represents a critical and foundational dysfunction in metabolic health, significantly predisposing the individual to the development of type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease.