By the time glucose begins to rise, years of metabolic injury have often already occurred. The idea that insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar can coexist isn’t just possible—it’s a hallmark of Type 2 diabetes. At first, the body can compensate by producing more insulin, but eventually the pancreas can no longer meet the demand, and blood sugar climbs.
This question recently circulated online, prompting experts to weigh in. Dr Rajiv Kovil, head of diabetology and weight loss expert at Zandra Healthcare and co-founder of Rang De Neela Initiative, confirms the possibility. The bottom line, he says, is a clear and clinically important yes. DISCLAIMER: The information in this article comes from public sources and the experts consulted. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
The hidden phase before blood sugar rises. In the earliest stages, the body can be insulin resistant while glucose levels remain normal, because it produces extra insulin to keep glucose in check. Even during this phase, changes may already be underway—higher insulin levels, increasing belly fat, and low-grade inflammation—without obvious warning signs.
Over time, the balance can unravel. When the pancreas can no longer keep up with the body’s rising insulin demand, blood sugar begins to rise. That is when insulin resistance and elevated glucose often exist together, signaling progression toward Type 2 diabetes. “By the time glucose rises, years of metabolic injury have already occurred,” Dr Kovil notes.
Why normal reports can be misleading—and what to watch for. Routine tests such as fasting glucose or HbA1c don’t measure insulin resistance directly. They reflect glucose levels, not insulin dynamics, and often detect disease only after it is established. This can leave people experiencing fatigue, weight gain, or post-meal energy crashes even when test results appear “normal.”
The encouraging part: insulin resistance does not always progress to Type 2 Diabetes. With timely lifestyle changes—regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and weight management—insulin sensitivity can improve.
