Diabetes and insulin resistance pose growing global health risks

Medical specialists are highlighting the growing global impact of diabetes and the critical role of insulin resistance in the development of type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases.

In the Dominican Republic, physician Nolvin Pujols noted that diabetes is a major health issue characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. He explained that insulin resistance—where the hormone produced by the pancreas fails to facilitate glucose uptake by cells—is a primary mechanism behind rising glycemia. Pujols emphasized that managing obesity, cholesterol, and triglycerides is essential for prevention.

In Chile, academic Alejandra Ponce warned that insulin resistance often progresses silently, driven by modern lifestyle factors such as sedentary behavior, ultra-processed diets, high stress, and sleep deficiency. While often asymptomatic, warning signs include increased abdominal circumference and dark patches on the skin around the neck or armpits. Experts suggest that early detection through preventive screenings can help prevent or even reverse the condition.