Insulin resistance – when your metabolism is off balance

It rarely causes noticeable symptoms, but can have long-term implications for a person's health – long before diabetes is even diagnosed. How to recognise insulin resistance and what you can do if you have it.

Sergei Fink

14 July 2026

A person is holding an insulin pen filled with orange liquid. In the background, there are plates of food, a blood glucose meter, test strips and a blood glucose meter on a table. The person has red painted nails.
When your metabolism gets out of sync, the first signs are often subtle. (Image: Adobe Stock)

Human metabolism is adaptable. However, processes may change if it comes under constant pressure. Insulin resistance may develop as a result.

This causes the body’s cells to become increasingly less sensitive to insulin. To regulate blood sugar, the body produces more insulin. This condition can go unnoticed for years.

Inconspicuous, but relevant
Insulin resistance is not a disease in itself, rather a risk factor. It is often associated with Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or a fatty liver (steatosis hepatis).

Possible indications may include:

  • feeling tired, especially after meals
  • craving for sugar
  • gaining weight in the mid-section
  • difficulty concentrating
  • These symptoms tend to be vague and are often linked to other conditions.

Causes
A sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress and highly processed foods affect your metabolism. Insulin resistance does not only affect older people. It can also affect young adults without their knowing or being aware of it.

At the same time, there is a greater focus on prevention. Instead of reacting only after a diagnosis has been made, it is important to recognise the signs early on. The symptom checker in the Compassana app can help you keep track of your symptoms and figure out what is happening. A visit to a doctor will still be necessary to carry out specific tests and obtain a reliable diagnosis.

What information can do
A prompt assessment can help you to better assess the risks. The focus is not on finding quick solutions, but rather on developing a realistic understanding of your own body and the factors that may have an impact on it.

Insulin resistance is not a side issue. According to John Schonbee, Global Chief Medical Officer at Swiss Re, around two-thirds of all adults in Switzerland exhibit at least one symptom of insulin resistance. This shows how important it is not to look at metabolic processes in isolation, but in the context of a person’s lifestyle and long-term health. A healthy diet, plenty of exercise and losing weight can help prevent this.

Please note: This article is for general information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.

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