MedicineNet

Insulin Resistance Center - Abilene, TX

Abilene Endocrinologist Doctors for Insulin Resistance

Type of Physician: Endocrinologist

What is a Endocrinologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners treat disorders of the internal (endocrine) glands such as the thyroid and adrenal glands. Endocrinology also deals with disorders such as diabetes, metabolic and nutritional disorders, pituitary diseases, and menstrual and sexual problems.

Specialty: Endocrinology

Common Name:

Endocrinologist Doctors in Abilene *

Frederick A White MD
Frederick A White
2125 Pine St
Abilene, TX 79601
(325) 677-5201

Abilene, Texas

Upcoming Local Events

2012-06-16
2012-06-16
2012-07-09
Threshold
Abilene, Texas
2012-09-08
2012-09-15
2012-11-11

Insulin Resistance

What is insulin resistance?

Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the beta cells, which are cells that are scattered throughout the pancreas. The insulin produced is released into the blood stream and travels throughout the body. Insulin is an important hormone that has many actions within the body. Most of the actions of insulin are directed at metabolism (control) of carbohydrates (sugars and starches), lipids (fats), and proteins. Insulin also is important in regulating the cells of the body including their growth.

Insulin resistance (IR) is a condition in which the cells of the body become resistant to the effects of insulin, that is, the normal response to a given amount of insulin is reduced. As a result, higher levels of insulin are needed in order for insulin to have its effects. The resistance is seen with both the body's own insulin (endogenous) and if insulin is given through injection (exogenous).

What causes insulin resistance?

There are probably several causes of insulin resistance and there is thought to be a strong genetic factor (an inherited component), Some medications also can lead to insulin resistance. In addition, insulin resistance is seen often in the following conditions:

  • the metabolic syndrome
  • obesity
  • pregnancy
  • infection or severe illness
  • stress
  • during steroid use

What is the relationship between insulin resistance and diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is the type of diabetes that occurs later in life. Insulin resistance precedes the development of type 2 diabetes, sometimes by years. In individuals who will ultimately develop type 2 diabetes, it is believed that blood glucose and insulin levels are normal for many years; then at some point in time, insulin resistance develops.

At this point, there is ofte...

Recommended Reading Related to Insulin Resistance

Heart Attack »

Heart attack facts

  • A heart attack results when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery supplying blood to the heart muscle and heart muscle dies.
  • The blood clot that causes the heart attack usually forms at the site of rupture of an atherosclerotic, cholesterol plaque on the inner wall of a coronary artery.
  • The most common symptom of heart attack is chest pain.
  • The most common complications of a heart attack are heart failure and ventricular fibrillation.
  • The risk factors for atherosclerosis and heart attack include elevated cholesterol levels, increased blood pressure, tobacco use, diabetes, male gender, and a family history of heart attacks at an early age.
  • Heart attacks are diagnosed with electrocardiograms and measurement of cardiac enzymes in blood.
  • Early reopening of blocked coronary arteries reduces the amount of damage to the heart and im...

Emergency Contact for Abilene

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Abilene Hospitals *

Hendrick Health System
1900 Pine St
Abilene, TX 79601
(325)670-2000

Acadia Abilene Psychiatric Center
4225 Woods Pl
Abilene, TX 79602
(325)698-6600

Abilene Regional Medical Center
6250 Highway 83-84 at Antilley Rd
Abilene, TX 79606
(325)428-1000

Anson General Hospital
101 Ave J
Anson, TX 79501
(325)823-3231

Stamford Memorial Hospital
1601 Columbia St
Stamford, TX 79553
(325)773-2725

North Runnels Hospital
7821 E Highway 153
Winters, TX 79567
(325)754-4553

*Provider Directory Terms of Use:

The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval.

You are prohibited from using, downloading, republishing, selling, duplicating, or "scraping" for commercial or any other purpose whatsoever, the Provider Directory or any of the data listings or other information contained therein, in whole or in part, in any medium whatsoever.

The Provider Directory is provided on an "AS-IS" basis. WebMD disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for particular purpose. Without limiting the foregoing, WebMD does not warrant or represent that the Provider Directory or any part thereof is accurate or complete. You assume full responsibility for the communications with any Provider you contact through the Provider Directory. WebMD shall in no event be liable to you or to anyone for any decision made or action taken by you in the reliance on information provided in the Provider Directory.

The use of WebMD Provider Directory by any entity or individual to verify the credentials of Providers is prohibited. The database of Provider information which drives WebMD Provider Directory does not contain sufficient information with which to verify Provider credentials under the standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) of the Utilization Review Accreditation Committee (URAC).

By using the WebMD Provider Directory, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.