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Insulin Resistance Center - Pocatello, ID

Pocatello 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:

Pocatello, Idaho

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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 Pocatello

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Pocatello Hospitals *

Portneuf Medical Center West Campus
651 Memorial Dr
Pocatello, ID 83201
(208)239-1000

Portneuf Medical Center East Campus
777 Hospital Way
Pocatello, ID 83201
(208)239-1000

Beacon Hospital & Rehabilitation
1200 Hospital Way
Pocatello, ID 83201
(208)232-2570

Harms Memorial Hospital
510 Roosevelt St
American Falls, ID 83211
(208)226-3200

State Hospital South
700 E Alice St
Blackfoot, ID 83221
(208)785-1200

Bingham Memorial Hospital
98 Poplar St
Blackfoot, ID 83221
(208)785-4100

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