To compensate for resistance, the pancreas secretes more insulin. Insulin-resistant persons, therefore, have high plasma insulin levels. The syndrome can be defined as a cluster of abnormalities, including obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes, that are associated with insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia. Type 2 diabetes is the condition most obviously linked to insulin resistance. Eventually the beta cells of the pancreas are unable to overcome insulin resistance through hypersecretion.
Glucose levels rise, and a diagnosis of diabetes can be made.
3 Patients with type 2 diabetes remain hyperinsulinemic until they are in an advanced stage of disease. One half of patients with essential hypertension are insulin resistant and hyperinsulinemic. There is evidence that blood pressure is linked to the degree of insulin resistance. Exactly how insulin resistance influences blood pressure, however, is controversial. Furthermore, a strong relationship between insulin resistance and blood pressure may not occur in many patients, especially black patients.