Metabolic health

Weight, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome

For excess weight, the approach is cause-focused. Insulin resistance, leptin resistance and metabolic status are investigated; where needed, GLP-1 therapy is given only under medical supervision.

Dr. Şirvan Zəkəriyəyev at a World Obesity Day conference

Insulin resistance can exist despite normal sugar

Normal fasting sugar does not mean a healthy metabolism. Insulin resistance is calculated with the HOMA-IR formula: (fasting glucose × fasting insulin) / 405. A result above 2.5 indicates resistance.

Signs of insulin resistance

  • Frequent hunger
  • Trembling when meals are delayed
  • Acanthosis nigricans (darkening in skin folds)
  • Acne
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Difficulty losing weight

Work-up & treatment

Weight & metabolic syndrome services

Which tests are done?

Fasting insulin and glucose, HOMA-IR, OGTT and leptin resistance — for a full assessment of metabolic status.

How is weight loss planned?

The approach is cause-focused — not just calories, but the hormonal/metabolic cause is identified. The plan is individual.

When is GLP-1 used?

Injectable therapy is prescribed only to selected patients, after blood tests and ultrasound, under medical supervision.

Related conditions

  • Overweight and obesity
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Leptin resistance
  • Acanthosis nigricans
  • Striae — search for endocrine causes
  • Cause-focused weight loss

What you should know

Accurate information

Acanthosis nigricans is a sign of insulin resistance

Darkening and thickening of the skin on the neck, armpits and groin is a skin sign of insulin resistance. Without addressing the cause, creams give no result.

Weight-loss injections are dangerous without medical supervision

GLP-1 analogues should be prescribed after examination and tests, not from advertising or a friend's advice. A dosing error can cause serious complications; after stopping, a plan against weight regain is essential.

More about weight-loss injections →

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

If I have insulin resistance, will it turn into diabetes?

Not necessarily. Insulin resistance is the most important risk factor for type 2 diabetes, but with the right intervention full diabetes can be prevented. Physical activity, proper nutrition and weight loss are the main measures.

Are weight-loss injections (GLP-1) suitable for everyone?

No. These injections are prescribed after certain tests, on individual indication. The dose, duration and post-treatment plan must be set by the doctor. Self-use can lead to serious complications.

Is acanthosis nigricans only a cosmetic problem?

No. Darkening and thickening of the skin on the neck, armpits and groin is a sign of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Without addressing the cause, creams do not help.

How is insulin resistance calculated?

By the HOMA-IR formula: (fasting glucose × fasting insulin) / 405. A result above 2.5 indicates insulin resistance. Frequent hunger, trembling when meals are delayed, acanthosis nigricans and sleep problems can be signals.

Book a metabolic assessment

If you cannot lose weight or suspect insulin resistance, the cause can be identified with the right tests.