Insulin resistance syndrome, also known as syndrome X, is a combination of conditions. Other indications show up on blood tests. These include above-normal cholesterol levels and higher readings on glucose tests. People with insulin resistance also may have elevated blood pressure. The cause is a growing inability to use insulin.
Muscle cells become less able to let the hormone guide nutrients into the cells.
The pancreas tries to overcome the resistance by pumping out more insulin. But if the resistance grows, diabetes can result. Regular calorie-burning aerobic exercise improves the factors that insulin resistance worsens. The cells get better in taking up insulin. Cholesterol levels and blood pressure retreat.