Insulin: Major Causes Of Resistance And Why

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can contribute to the development of insulin resistance in an affected individual. High blood pressure is when the blood is exerting too much pressure on the arterial walls as it is moving through them. This malfunction can be caused by many factors and can result in numerous complications, including widespread vascular damage. Insulin resistance and high blood pressure both have several similar risk factors including inflammation. The inflammation caused by high blood pressure results in an influx of a type of white blood cell called cytokines. Cytokines are known to disrupt the process of insulin signals in the cells of the liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscles. This mechanism means the signals from insulin cannot transfer from the outside of the cell to the inside of the cell. The insulin is then unable to perform its function in each of the affected cells, keeping excess glucose in the bloodstream and causing the development of insulin resistance.