Insulin resistance is a condition where the liver, fat, and muscle cells cannot respond to the hormone correctly, which is essential in regulating blood glucose levels. It can either be chronic or temporary, but it’s treatable in most cases. It functions by enabling the body to break down your food into glucose, which is its primary energy source. When glucose enters the bloodstream, it signals the pancreas to produce and release insulin, which helps store or use glucose.
If these cells fail to respond appropriately to the hormone, they may not be able to use or store the glucose in the blood, leading to a resistance to insulin. And this can lead to hyperinsulinemia, which is the overproduction of insulin by the pancreas. If the organ can generate sufficient insulin and overcome the weak response of the cells to it, the blood glucose level should remain normal. However, if there’s too much resistance, it may result in hyperglycemia and, eventually, diabetes.
Beyond diabetes, the disorder has also been linked to various medical conditions, including cardiovascular and liver disease, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, to name a few. It also has many different symptoms, which we’ll cover in detail in this post.
Excessive Thirst
While it might be normal to experience thirst after consuming spicy food or a vigorous workout session, being excessively thirsty isn’t, especially when it persists after replenishing your fluids. It may indicate an underlying medical condition when accompanied by fatigue and blurred vision. Some possible causes of unquenchable thirst are diabetes, heart or kidney failure, diabetes, and liver disease. Because of the danger these disorders pose, it’s recommended that you seek medical attention.
To diagnose unresolved thirst, doctors may ask for a medical history, including previously diagnosed diseases and a list of over-the-counter or prescribed medications. Beyond the physical exam, the doctor may order other tests, such as blood glucose, blood differential and count, and urinalysis. The test results will determine the specialist if needed. The outlook and treatment will also hinge on the diagnosis. The test results will determine which specialist is required. The view and treatment options will also hinge on the diagnosis.
It’s also best to remain cautious when trying to quench thirst, as there’s a possibility of overhydration. As its name suggests, it occurs when there’s overcompensation for fluid loss and can severely lower blood sodium, leading to seizures and confusion.
