There has also been a link between chromium deficiency and insulin resistance.  Now if you could find a link between high cortisol levels causing chromium deficiency--which is more than likely, then you’d have an idea of why the cravings are strong for simple carbs.  As soon as you eat a sugary snack, your pancreas releases insulin to help regulate the glucose.  With insulin resistance however, that response is impaired so your body will keep releasing insulin for longer than it normally would.  

Most people with insulin resistance have a problem with stubborn belly fat or lower body fat.  They will suffer from hypertension, abnormal triglycerides, glucose intolerance (syndrome ’X") and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.  Sandra Cabot has a great book out about Sybdrome X which you would more than likely find interesting. 

Ironically women whom have insulin resistance have also been found to have polycystic ovary syndrome as well as gestational diabetes in pregnancy.

It can develop into type 2 diabetes if the pancreas deteriorates.  Your typical western diet will eventually leave you predisposed to insulin resistance also.  High fat and high simple carbs results in a huge secretion of insulin.  People need to be educated a little more.  I always find myself doing my groceries now and looking into other peoples trolley’s and thinking, "Hmmm heart attack waiting to happen,"  lol.  I cant help it... I used to shop that way myself and dread to think how my health would have been had I continued.  It’s bad enough now...lol.