Frequently asked questions

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body's cells respond poorly to insulin, so the pancreas has to make more of it to keep blood sugar in a normal range. Over time, unaddressed insulin resistance is the main driver behind prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, but lifestyle changes and medical care can often improve it.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the pancreas makes little or no insulin, type 2 diabetes develops mainly from worsening insulin resistance over time, and gestational diabetes appears during pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery, though it raises future type 2 risk. Each type is managed differently, so an accurate diagnosis matters.

A CGM is a small wearable sensor that tracks glucose levels throughout the day and night without routine fingersticks, sending readings to a phone or receiver. It can help people with diabetes or insulin resistance see patterns in real time, but a provider should help interpret the data and decide if one is right for you.

GLP-1 medications are a class of drugs that mimic a natural gut hormone to help regulate blood sugar and, for some people, support weight loss. They are prescription medications with their own risks and side effects, so whether one is appropriate is a decision for you and your provider, not something to start or stop on your own.

For many people, insulin resistance can be significantly improved — and sometimes reversed — through changes in nutrition, physical activity and weight, though results vary by individual and underlying cause. A doctor or dietitian can help build a plan suited to your situation.

Yes — manufacturer savings cards, patient assistance programs and other affordability options exist and have helped many people lower what they pay for insulin, though eligibility and details vary and change over time. Ask your provider or pharmacist what's currently available to you.

Severe or symptomatic low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) — confusion, loss of consciousness, seizure, or inability to safely eat or drink — is a medical emergency: call 911 immediately. This site is educational only and is not equipped to handle emergencies.