The prevalence of insulin resistance and risk factors for chronic diseases is not known in Colombia. The purpose of the study was of determine the association of insulin resistance and risk of chronic diseases in young, apparently healthy adults. By convenience, 97 subjects, mean age of 24 years were studied. Family and personal history, anthropometrics, lipid profile, and a short insulin tolerance test was done to each subject to identify prevalence of insulin resistance and its association with risk factors. Plasma lipids and anthropometrics were within acceptable range. Insulin sensitivity was categorized as high, border high, border low and low. Out of 97 subjects 47 had altered sensitivity. Most women (68%) were classified as border low, and most men (60%) as low. There was a difference between these two categories in waist circumference and weight. Border low and low cases had not less than 3 risk factors but the total number of factors was not different within the 4 groups. More than 50% of cases had family history of chronic diseases, sedentary life and low C-HDL. There was a negative association between insulin sensitivity and fasting Glycaemia and positive with fasting triglycerides, BMI, Waist hip ratio and weight. Results suggest a surprisingly high prevalence of risk factors in a young group associated with altered insulin sensitivity. It may be possible to identify early indicators of risk and develop appropriate strategies for prevention.