Can you have insulin resistance despite normal HbA1c levels? An endocrinologist explains

The Indian Express · Lifestyle Desk · 2026-11-06 15:30 UTC

Normal fasting blood sugar and HbA1c do not always rule out insulin resistance. Recognising early metabolic changes can help delay or prevent the progression to Type 2 diabetes.

Insulin resistance can develop years before a person is diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, often without obvious symptoms or abnormal blood sugar readings. This is because the pancreas initially compensates for the body’s reduced response to insulin by producing more of the hormone to keep glucose levels within the normal range.

However, this does not mean everything is functioning normally. Gradually, the body’s ability to compensate can weaken, allowing blood sugar levels to rise and eventually progress to prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

Dr Himika Chawla, Senior Consultant, Endocrinology and Diabetology, PSRI Hospital, explains what happens inside the body when insulin resistance begins, the warning signs to watch for and how it can be identified early.

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