Signs of Insulin Resistance in Women (And What to Do About Them)

If you have been feeling more fatigued than usual, struggling with weight that does not seem to budge no matter what you eat or are noticing changes in your skin or energy patterns, insulin resistance could be playing a role. It is more common than most people realize and the signs of insulin resistance are often subtle enough that they go unrecognized for years.

Understanding what insulin resistance looks and feels like is the first step to doing something about it.

What is insulin resistance?

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Its job is to help your cells take in glucose from your bloodstream and use it for energy. When cells stop responding to insulin as efficiently as they should, the pancreas compensates by producing more of it. Over time, glucose starts to accumulate in the bloodstream and insulin levels remain chronically elevated.

This state, where your cells are less responsive to insulin is what we call insulin resistance. It is not the same as Type 2 diabetes, but it is often a precursor to it. If left unaddressed, insulin resistance might also contribute to a broad range of hormone and metabolic concerns.

Common signs of insulin resistance in women

One of the reasons insulin resistance is so frequently missed is that its symptoms overlap with many other conditions. Here are some of the most common signs to be aware of:

Fatigue after eating Feeling tired or sluggish after meals, particularly carbohydrate-heavy ones, is a common early sign. When cells are not processing glucose efficiently energy tends to dip rather than rise after eating.

Difficulty losing weight Chronically elevated insulin promotes fat storage, particularly around the abdomen. If you have been eating well and staying active but still struggling with your weight, insulin resistance may be part of the picture.

Intense sugar or carbohydrate cravings Blood sugar fluctuations driven by insulin dysregulation often show up as strong cravings often in the late afternoon or evening. The body is essentially asking for a quick source of glucose to compensate for the energy gap.

Brain fog Difficulty concentrating, mental cloudiness, or poor short-term memory are frequently linked to blood sugar instability. The brain is highly dependent on stable glucose levels, and insulin resistance disrupts that stability.

Skin changes One of the more telling physical signs of insulin resistance is a condition called acanthosis nigricans: darkened, velvety patches of skin that appear in body folds such as the neck, armpits, or groin. This is common in PMOS (formerly PCOS) which is known to be associated with insulin resistance. Skin tags might also associated with elevated insulin levels.

Hormone Imbalance Insulin resistance could become relevant for many women. Elevated insulin stimulates the ovaries to produce more androgens (male hormones), which can disrupt the menstrual cycle, contribute to PMOS (formerly PCOS), increase unwanted hair growth and worsen acne. If you have been told you have PMOS, insulin resistance is possibily an associated factor worth investigating.

High fasting blood glucose or triglycerides Standard bloodwork may not catch insulin resistance early, but elevated fasting blood glucose, high triglycerides, or a low HDL cholesterol level are patterns can be discussed with your health care provider.

Why Routine blood work often misses it

A routine fasting blood glucose test will not always display insulin resistance in its earlier stages. By the time fasting glucose is elevated, insulin resistance has often been present for years.

A more informative approach is to assess fasting insulin alongside fasting glucose and to calculate what is known as the HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance). This type of comprehensive assessment is one area where naturopathic lab testing can offer meaningful clinical insight beyond routine blood test panels.

Insulin resistance, PMOS and Hormone Health

For women with PMOS, the relationship between insulin resistance and hormonal symptoms is well-established. Research consistently shows that insulin resistance is present in the majority of women diagnosed with PMOS, regardless of body weight. Elevated insulin drives excess androgen production, which disrupts ovulation, contributes to irregular cycles, and can worsen symptoms like acne, hair thinning and unwanted hair growth. (Source: Endocrine Society)

Addressing insulin resistance through nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted supplementation is often a central part of naturopathic care for PMOS and other hormone-related conditions. It is not just about blood sugar management; it is about restoring the hormonal environment that stable insulin levels support.

What an insulin resistance diet looks like

Dietary changes are one of the most evidence-supported interventions for insulin resistance. A meaningful dietary approach for insulin resistance is rarely one-size-fits-all. The appropriate approach depends on your broader health picture, other conditions you may be managing and factors such as gut health, stress levels and sleep, all of which influence how your body processes glucose. (Source: Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines)

How naturopathic care may support insulin resistance

As a naturopathic doctor in Calgary, Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND takes a comprehensive approach to metabolic health that goes beyond general dietary advice. Naturopathic support for insulin resistance may include:

• Comprehensive lab assessment including cardiometabolic and hormone markers to understand the full picture

• Individualized clinical nutrition recommendations based on your lab results, health history, and lifestyle

• Evidence-informed supplement support including nutrients and herbs, if indicated

• Lifestyle strategies for sleep, stress management, exercise, nervous system regulation and more

• Comprehensive hormone assessment if indicated

Naturopathic medicine may support metabolic health outcomes, but individual results vary. These recommendations are not a substitute for medical care and it is important to work alongside your family doctor, particularly if you have a diabetes diagnosis or are on medication. (Source: Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors)

When to seek Support

If you are recognizing several of the signs of insulin resistance described above and if they are showing up alongside other potential hormone-related symptoms, weight concerns or a family history of Type 2 diabetes, it might be helpful to see a naturopath for an individualized assessment.

At her South Calgary naturopathic practice, Dr. Mawji, ND works with patients who want to understand what is driving their symptoms and take a proactive approach to their metabolic health. If you are not sure where to start a complimentary 15-minute Meet and Greet is a wonderful way to ask general questions and find out whether naturopathic care is the right fit for you. Book online or by calling (825) 760-5333.

Naturopathic medicine may support health outcomes, but individual results vary. This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND

Calgary Naturopathic Doctor  

Insulin resistance support in Calgary

**Any information provided in these posts are intended for information purposes only and not to be considered naturopathic medical advice. See your naturopathic doctor for individualized support & guidance. Naturopathic medicine may support health outcomes, but individual results vary. This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment