Resistência à insulina em adultos jovens: fatores associados, repercussões metabólicas e estratégias de prevenção

Insulin resistance (IR) is characterized by a reduced tissue response to insulin and maybe present before the development of glycemic abnormalities. This study aims to analyze factors associated with IR, its metabolic implications, and prevention strategies in young adults, operationally defined as individuals aged 20 to 40 years. A descriptive literature review with a qualitative approach was conducted, covering publications from January 2013 to October 8, 2026. The targeted bibliographic search included observational studies, reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical guidelines available in scientific databases, journals, and institutional sources. The findings indicated associations between IR, body adiposity, physical inactivity, and other cardiometabolic risk factors. However, prevalence estimates varied according to population characteristics, data collection periods, and assessment criteria, particularly the cutoff values used for the HOMA-IR index. Brazilian studies contributed to understandingthecondition in specific groups but did not establish a nationally representative prevalence estimate for adults aged 20 to 40 years. Evidence also indicated that combined exercise training may improve certain glucose metabolism markers, without independently demonstrating reductions in diabetes incidence or cardiovascular events. It is concluded that prevention should prioritize healthy lifestyle habits, individualized risk assessment, and screening for glycemic abnormalities when clinically indicated. Further representative and longitudinal Brazilian studies are needed to clarify the magnitude of IR in this population and assess the clinical effects of preventive interventions.