Insulin Resistance Syndrome Prevention

Obesity, especially when fat accumulates in the abdominal region, increases the severity of insulin resistance, and has been associated with IRS. Loss of excess weight tends to improve insulin sensitivity (i.e., reduce insulin resistance), and this has been recently shown to be true for people with IRS as well. Weight loss also reduces many of the other health risk factors associated with IRS.

Cigarette smoking, in most, though not all, studies, as well as exposure to secondhand smoke and use of nicotine replacement products, have been associated with insulin resistance. While smoking cessation has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity in healthy people, no research has investigated the effect of quitting smoking on people with IRS.

Alcohol consumption in the light to moderate range is associated with better insulin sensitivity in healthy, nondiabetic people. Since alcohol consumption also reduces other risk factors for heart disease, it does not appear that people with IRS would benefit from avoiding alcohol if they are currently light to moderate drinkers. However, alcohol is potentially addicting and can increase the risk of other diseases, so people with IRS who are not users of alcohol should consult a doctor before starting regular consumption of alcoholic beverages...