Diagnosing insulin resistance isn’t based on a single blood test. Healthcare providers consider multiple factors to determine whether a person has insulin resistance. These include:
- Blood glucose levels
 - Cholesterol levels
 - Physical examination
 
Individuals with insulin resistance should undergo screening for prediabetes. Predicting the exact timeline for the development of prediabetes in someone with insulin resistance isn’t straightforward. Individual factors play a significant role.
Neglecting to address insulin resistance can potentially lead to diabetes and various other metabolic issues. Some of these complications comprise:
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
 - Elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides
 - High blood pressure
 - Heart disease