Doctors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) note an increase in teenagers seeking help for issues related to insulin resistance, including obesity, high blood sugar, fatty liver disease, and hormonal imbalances.
Dr. Abdul Jabbar, a consultant in internal medicine and endocrinology at Medicare Al Safa Hospital, reported a growing number of adolescents undergoing assessment for insulin resistance and associated metabolic conditions. He referenced a 2020 study among UAE schoolchildren which showed that 34.7 percent were overweight or obese, and nearly 80 percent led a sedentary lifestyle.
Dr. Amna Kiran Sarwar, an endocrinologist at the International Modern Hospital in Dubai, confirmed this trend, citing global data. She mentioned that the American Diabetes Association reports a sharp rise in Type 2 diabetes cases among children and adolescents in recent years, and adolescent obesity worldwide has quadrupled since 1990.
Insulin is necessary to move sugar from the blood into the body's cells to provide energy. When cells stop responding adequately to insulin, the pancreas is forced to produce more of it to maintain normal glucose levels. Over time, this strain can lead to the development of diabetes.
Doctors point out that puberty itself can temporarily decrease insulin sensitivity. This situation is worsened by excess weight, especially fat accumulation around the abdomen. Genetics also plays a role. Dr. Sarwar noted that teenagers with a parent or close relative who has Type 2 diabetes are at increased risk.
Dr. Abeer Al Raisi, a family medicine consultant at Sultan bin Zayed Hospital, explained this process simply, comparing insulin to a key: 'With insulin resistance, the key is present, but the door becomes harder to open.'
In early stages, insulin resistance often progresses without symptoms. One sign frequently mentioned by doctors is acanthosis nigricans—dark, velvety patches of skin, usually found on the neck, underarms, or knuckles. Other signs include unexplained weight gain, fatigue, difficulty losing weight, cravings for sweets, and irregular menstrual cycles.
Dr. Jabbar cited a recent patient example—a 16-year-old girl who presented with complaints of irregular cycles, fatigue, and weight loss issues, and who had characteristic skin spots discovered.
Doctors agree that daily habits are immensely important. Dr. Sarwar emphasized that a sedentary lifestyle is a significant factor. Today's teenagers may spend many hours sitting while studying, playing games, or using phones and other screens, while physical activity remains relatively low.
Diet is also a crucial aspect. Doctors warn that sugary drinks, processed snacks, and insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains increase the risk of developing the condition.
Experts insist that prevention must involve the entire family, not just the teenager. Dr. Jabbar called for starting by 'setting an example at home,' encouraging regular exercise, reducing screen time, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet rich in proteins and complex carbohydrates.
Dr. Al Raisi added that even small changes bring benefits. She recommended a Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and olive oil, as small, sustainable changes in diet, movement, and weight can significantly improve metabolic health.
Doctors also advise screening teenagers with additional risk factors. According to Dr. Sarwar, current guidelines from the American Diabetes Association suggest starting screening after the onset of puberty or at age 10, whichever comes first, for adolescents with overweight or high weight and other risk factors such as genetics or Polycystic Ovarian Metabolic Syndrome (PMOS), previously known as PCOS.
If insulin resistance is left untreated, it can progress to prediabetes and then to Type 2 diabetes. Doctors warn that this condition is also linked to high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, fatty liver disease, and heart disease later in life.
Dr. Sarwar noted that the concern regarding the development of Type 2 diabetes in adolescence is that the individual is exposed to the disease and its complications at a very young age. However, doctors stressed that the prognosis improves with timely action, as insulin resistance can often be improved, and in some cases—reversed—through early lifestyle intervention, as noted by Dr. Jabbar.
