How to Manage Insulin Resistance in Infants

Infant care is complex even for healthy babies, but when your infant is insulin resistant, they need extra considerations. Left unaddressed, insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes and other health problems. 

Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose (blood sugar) get into the cells. The cells can then use the sugar as energy. Without insulin, or when insulin doesn’t work correctly, sugar builds up in the bloodstream. 

If your baby has insulin resistance or high blood sugar, it may be due to genetics, high birth weight, or other factors. Fortunately, by addressing the issue early, you may be able to prevent your child from developing type 2 diabetes later. 

Board-certified family medicine providers Clifton Etienne, MD, Michael Cavanagh, MD, and Flora Brewington, MD, at Westmed Family Healthcare in Westminster, Colorado, are dedicated to monitoring your infant’s health as they grow. We can give your baby individualized, comprehensive care that addresses issues like insulin resistance as early as possible. 

Recognizing insulin resistance in infants

Babies born prematurely are more likely to develop insulin resistance than others, both during infancy and later in life. If your baby was born prematurely, our team at Westmed Family Healthcare keeps a close eye on their glucose levels during pediatric checkups. 

You might not recognize insulin resistance in your infant without a blood test. However, the signs and symptoms in babies and small children include:

• High body weight for their age
• Large waist circumference
• Darkening in skin folds and creases, like their armpits and neck
• Increased hunger

Talk to our team if you think your baby may be insulin resistant. Keep in mind that insulin resistance can run in families. If you or your spouse has insulin resistance or diabetes, your baby is at a higher risk.

How to manage your infant’s insulin resistance

Our team encourages close monitoring of babies with insulin resistance. In many cases, you can manage insulin resistance in your infant by addressing their diet and habits. To manage insulin resistance in your baby, our team may recommend monitoring your infant’s calorie intake. 

Depending on your baby’s age and whether or not they eat solid foods, our team gives you specific dietary instructions to help lower their blood glucose and manage their weight. We may recommend adding probiotics or vitamin D supplements to your child’s diet.

Occasionally, our team prescribes medications for insulin resistance in infants. If we prescribe medication, you should follow the instructions closely. Additionally, you should avoid smoking around your baby as nicotine makes their cells less responsive to insulin. 

Older kids with insulin resistance benefit from exercise. As your child grows, make sure they’re physically active. 

Get in touch today

We invite you in for regular developmental exams as your baby grows. To learn more about managing insulin resistance in infants, call Westmed Family Healthcare today to book an appointment or schedule one online anytime.