What could be a consequence of untreated insulin resistance associated with obesity?

Insulin resistance is a condition where the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When this condition is associated with obesity, it can lead to elevated blood sugar levels over time. If left untreated, insulin resistance frequently progresses to type 2 diabetes. The increase in insulin resistance prompts the pancreas to produce more insulin in an attempt to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Eventually, this overproduction can lead to pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and a significant decline in insulin secretion, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and the development of type 2 diabetes.

The connection between obesity and type 2 diabetes through insulin resistance is well-documented, with excess body fat, particularly visceral fat, contributing significantly to this metabolic dysfunction. Lifestyle factors such as diet and physical inactivity exacerbate this risk, making it crucial to manage insulin resistance to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Other options are less relevant to the direct consequences of untreated insulin resistance. For instance, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that is not influenced by insulin resistance or obesity in the same manner. Severe weight loss might occur in certain contexts, like in untreated diabetes, but it is not a direct consequence of insulin resistance itself. Improved hormone levels would not be