Insulin resistance

Insulin resistance is when your body's cells stop responding easily to insulin, the hormone that controls your blood sugar. To keep blood sugar steady, the body then has to make more insulin than usual.

A simple way to picture it: insulin is a key that unlocks your cells so sugar can go in. With insulin resistance, the lock becomes stiff, so the body makes more keys, meaning more insulin. Higher insulin makes it easier to store fat, especially around the belly, and harder to lose it.

Many women with PCOS have some insulin resistance, though not all do. The good news is that balanced meals, movement, and good sleep all help your body use insulin better.

Read the full, friendly explanation in PCOS and insulin resistance.