Insulin resistance in women and why it rises after 50

The condition, which can lead to diabetes, shows up with an array of easy-to-miss signs.

February 17, 2026

By Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch

Reviewed by Nancy Oliveira, MS, RD, LDN, CDCES, Contributor; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing

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A notebook page with a drawing showing the cycle of insulin resistance; those words are in the center in green, surrounded by eat food, make insulin, cells resist insulin, sugar stores as fat, feel tired and hungry written in orange, with blue arrows forming a circle between them.

Many middle-aged women who consult dietitian Nancy Oliveira point to their bellies, dismayed. Since menopause, they’ve noticed that extra pounds seem to go straight to their middle.

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About the Author

Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch

Maureen Salamon is the executive editor of Harvard Women’s Health Watch. She also writes for the Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Heart Letter, and Harvard Men’s Health Watch, as well as for Harvard Health Publishing’s flagship website. … See Full Bio

View all posts by Maureen Salamon

About the Reviewer

photo of Nancy Oliveira, MS, RD, LDN, CDCES

Nancy Oliveira, MS, RD, LDN, CDCES, Contributor; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing

Nancy Oliveira is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. She received a master of science in nutrition communications from Tufts University, and completed her clinical nutrition internship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Currently she … See Full Bio

View all posts by Nancy Oliveira, MS, RD, LDN, CDCES

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