Insulin resistance is a pre-diabetic condition wherein the cells of the body become less able to respond to insulin and process sugars. Insulin receptors in the cells become less sensitive and decrease in number, frequently resulting in overproduction of insulin. This condition is a risk factor for heart disease, hypertension, elevated cholesterol and trigylceride levels and obesity and, if untreated, can lead to type 2 diabetes. It can be successfully treated by dietary changes and/or medication.