Symptoms of insulin resistance may not be obvious. It is possible to have the condition for years without being aware of its existence. Severe insulin resistance can sometimes be recognized by the appearance of a skin condition called acanthosis nigricans. Symptoms include dark and thickened patches of skin on the neck, armpits, elbows, knuckles and knees.

Many people with insulin resistance have a combination of factors known as metabolic syndrome. These factors can include:

• Excess weight around the waist (central obesity). This is defined as a waist measurement (at the navel) of more than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men.
  
  
• Blood pressure higher than 130 over 85 mm/Hg (millimeters of mercury).
  
  
  For diagnosing metabolic syndrome in children, waist circumference and blood pressure must be above the 90^th percentile for age and sex.

Levels of a blood fat (lipid) known as triglycerides that are 150 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or higher for adults and at least 110 mg/dL for children.


Levels of HDL “good” cholesterol below 50 mg/dL for women or 40 mg/dL for men and children.


• Fasting blood glucose levels of 110 mg/dL or higher.