what is insulin sensitivity

Insulin sensitivity refers to how responsive the bodys cells are to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When cells are insulin-sensitive, they require smaller amounts of insulin to lower blood glucose levels. On the other hand, low insulin sensitivity, also known as insulin resistance, can lead to various health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Insulin resistance occurs when cells in the muscles, fat, and liver do not respond well to insulin and cannot easily take up glucose from the blood, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Over time, this can lead to prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Improving insulin sensitivity is important for overall health and can be achieved through lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and consuming health-promoting foods.