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Insulin Resistance Center - Ankeny, IA

Ankeny 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 Ankeny *

McFarland Clinic Endocrinology
Richard P Carano
1015 Duff Ave
Endocrinology
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-4440

Ankeny, Iowa

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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...

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Emergency Contact for Ankeny

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Ankeny Hospitals *

VA Central Iowa Health Care Des Moines
3600 30th St
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515)699-5999

Broadlawns Medical Center
1801 Hickman Rd
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515)282-2200

Iowa Lutheran Hospital
700 E University Ave
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515)263-5612

Mercy Franklin Center
1818 48th St
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515)271-6000

Mercy Medical Center Des Moines
1111 6th Ave
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515)247-3121

Blank Children's Hospital
1200 Pleasant St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515)241-5437

Iowa Methodist Medical Center
1200 Pleasant St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515)241-6212

Mary Greeley Medical Center
1111 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010
(515)239-2011

Story County Medical Center
630 Sixth St
Nevada, IA 50201
(515)382-2111

Dallas County Hospital
610 Tenth St
Perry, IA 50220
(515)465-3547

Boone County Hospital
1015 Union St
Boone, IA 50036
(515)432-3140

Skiff Medical Center
204 N Fourth Ave E
Newton, IA 50208
(641)792-1273

Madison County Healthcare System
300 Hutchings St
Winterset, IA 50273
(515)462-2373

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