Observed genes

Polygenic score

Influential genes: ADCY5

Variants in the ADCY5 gene, which encodes adenylate cyclase 5, have been linked with type 2 diabetes and insulin secretion.

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Overview

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Together with other hormones it regulates blood glucose levels. Insulin reduces the amount of glucose in blood by allowing its transport into the cells that use it as a source of energy. Primarily the liver, muscles, the brain and adipose tissue depend on glucose. A special cellular glucose sensing mechanism of beta cells located in the so called “Langerhans islets” of the pancreas, allow the cells to release insulin in response to the current level of glucose in blood. Higher levels result in an increased amount of released insulin.

Insulin resistance is a condition in which glucose dependent tissues don't respond well to insulin and therefore aren't able to utilize glucose as intended in turn diminishing insulin's ability to reduce blood sugar levels. In response to high blood sugar levels, the pancreatic production of insulin increases which gradually leads to exhaustion of pancreatic cells and ultimately the development of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Insulin resistance is considered to be a part of metabolic syndrome - a cluster of conditions commonly present together that highly increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 Diabetes.

There are no signs or symptoms exclusively related to insulin resistance as itself, making it even more important to attend regular check-ups at your GPs office. Blood pressure, your overall health condition, BMI and blood tests (glucose, HbA1c, fats, etc.) are simple, but great indicators of whether you are at risk of developing insulin resistance or not.

There are a few simple steps that can minimize your risk of developing insulin resistance:

• Maintain a normal body weight (BMI 19 - 25)
• Stick to a healthy and balanced diet, we recommend a mediterranean diet
• Exercise regularly (optimally more than 3 times a week more than 30 minutes)
• Don’t smoke
• Avoid medications unless prescribed by your doctor (esp. steroids, antidepressants, antipsychotics, …) 

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Check out our articles about diabetes, dyslipidemias (hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, …), stroke or coronary artery disease for more information about possible consequences.

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Recommendations

• Maintain a normal body weight (BMI 19 - 25)
• Stick to a healthy and balanced diet, we recommend a mediterranean diet
• Exercise regularly (optimally more than 3 times a week more than 30 minutes)
• Don’t smoke
• Avoid medications unless prescribed by your doctor (esp. steroids, antidepressants, antipsychotics, …) 

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