Understanding Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance has become a common problem in our society and I am sure you have heard about this concept more frequently through the years. Insulin resistance precedes the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and it is also a common denominator in the so-called metabolic syndrome which will affect people’s lifestyle as they age.

Let’s understand what insulin is and why it is important: Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas that delivers glucose in your blood to cells in the muscles, liver, and fat, where it’s used for energy. Carbohydrates — sugars and starches found in many foods — are the main source of fuel for your body. However, keep in mind that Adrenaline, one of our stress hormones, can also mobilize stored glucose back into the blood, increasing the amount that’s already there.

Insulin is also important because it stops sugar from accumulating in your bloodstream. The more you eat, the more insulin your body releases to regulate your blood sugar and to keep it within a healthy range.  But if you have insulin resistance, your cells will have trouble absorbing this glucose, and your body will require more insulin to function properly, messing with your system and storing that extra glucose as fat giving you more high blood sugar levels, more hunger, tiredness, etc. 

Signs and symptoms of insulin resistance can include: 

  • Increased abdominal fat

  • Chronic, low-grade inflammation

  • High blood fats such as triglycerides

  • Excess facial hair and/or a loss of head hair (driven by higher levels of androgens)

  • Skin tags

  • Fatty liver

  • A diagnosis of ‘prediabetes’ or ‘impaired glucose tolerance’.

  • Developing depression disorders.

  • Excess hunger and roller coaster cravings

How is insulin resistance diagnosed?

Your doctor might recommend testing especially if you suffer from Metabolic Syndrome, a sedentary lifestyle and an excess amount of belly fat around the waist. These are some of the tests you will have to complete: 

  • Hemoglobin A1C Test

  • Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)

  • Oral Glucose Tolerance Testing (OGTT)

Usually, lifestyle factors are involved in Insulin resistance, which means that the condition can be reversed by applying changes to your choices and habits. 

To avoid Insulin Resistance start by choosing a nourishing way of eating (whole foods with vegetables, fruits and proteins) and address obesity if that is your case, add regular exercising to build up muscle, manage stress especially when you are eating (your digestion gets affected by eating under stress), get proper sleep, reduce the consumption of processed sugary food and high carbohydrates.  

You have the power  to change your habits and if you can’t do it alone, get in contact with a Wellness Coach like myself to guide you to make sure you are on the right path. One of the best programs to manage Insulin issues is Metabolic Balance where you will get the nutrients your body needs based on a blood test, so you can manage blood sugar, inflammation and weight gain.

Thanks for reading.

Roselby Rodriguez