Insulin Resistance

This condition is one of the most mis-diagnosed, the most misunderstood condition. It’s called Insulin Resistance.

UAB Researchers report 40 percent of young adults have Insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors. According to some experts, IR has become an epidemic (In all age groups) that many do not consider, when trying to detect possible root causes to health concerns. If left untreated, can lead to a host of other diseases and disorders including:

• Prediabetes then a diagnoses of Type 2 diabetes (if not treated)
• Cardiovascular disease
• Stroke
• Hypertension
• Autoimmune disorders
• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
• Dementia/Alzheimer’s
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Optic nerve issues in the eye affecting vision
• Digestive disorders and diseases
• Even some cancers have been linked to Insulin Resistance
• Fatty liver

First, let me explain the significance of an important organ in our body, the pancreas. It has two functions: an exocrine function that helps in digestion and an endocrine function that controls blood sugar levels. The exocrine pancreas produces natural juices called pancreatic enzymes to break down food. Unlike enzymes, hormones are released directly into the bloodstream. Pancreatic hormones include:

• Insulin: This hormone is produced in the beta cells of the pancreas and helps the body to use sugar as the energy source.
• Glucagon: Alpha cells produce the hormone glucagon. If blood sugar gets too low, glucagon helps to increase it by sending a message to the liver to release the stored sugar.
• Amylin: A hormone called amylin is made in the beta cells of the pancreas. This helps in controlling our appetite (eating behavior).

Insulin is an important hormone for regulating the movement of nutrients into and out of your cells. Insulin responds to the presence of glucose. If we eat too much sugar or carbohydrates, we cause the pancreas to work harder than how it was designed to function. Over time, if you continue to consume excessive amounts of sugar and carbohydrates, we induce stress on the pancreas. The body adapts, but in a survival, defense mechanism state. Eventually, your cells resist, and insulin cannot do its job.  Left untreated, chronic inflammation can damage healthy cells, tissues, and organs. This can lead to the development of potentially chronic life-threatening disease and disorders.

Signs and Symptoms of Insulin Resistance

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Brain fog
• Chronic fatigue
• Craving sweets or carbohydrates
• Skin tags
• Dark patches of skin, usually around the folds of your body (i.e., underarm, elbows, etc.)
• Chronic high blood sugar levels (fasting BS of 100 or above)
• High triglycerides (a kind of blood fat) High LDL=bad cholesterol and Low HDL = good cholesterol
• High visceral fat (AKA belly fat)
• PCOS
• Chronic elevated blood pressure (usually 140/80 and above)
• Not being able to lose weight despite concerted efforts

How is Insulin Resistance Diagnosed

Have your doctor or nurse practitioner order the following test:

• Fasting plasma glucose blood test
• Fasting insulin level
• Oral glucose tolerance test
• Hemoglobin A1C blood test
• Lipid Panel or Profile

Can Insulin Resistance be controlled, well-managed or possibly reversed

The answer is yes! However, the longer your body has been in this state, and possibly other conditions have developed as a result. It can take longer to improve. With sustained healthy lifestyle changes, you can feel a significant change in your overall well-being. This includes in your body and your mind. Also, not to mention, after making the necessary changes that you and your doctor or NP decide, you will be able to measure your success with a follow up and more blood test that will reflect your healthier lifestyle changes.

Ways you can improve or reverse Insulin Resistance

Eating Habits – Improving your diet will have the biggest benefit.  That involves changing your food choices. It is not just the amount of food you consume, but the type of food and the time of day you eat. Studies have shown that diets with carbohydrates such as cereals, breads, pastas, rice, white potatoes cause the body to increase its insulin production. Less sugar in the blood, means less insulin needed, less work for the pancreas and the liver. Healthy fats on the other hand, cause the least amount of insulin to be produced. Examples of healthy fats include avocados, nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecans (this includes nut butters like almond butter) sunflower seeds, fish, avocado oil, olive oil, coconut oil, flaxseed, eggs.

Exercise – A body in motion stays in motion. So just get moving. Whether you choose to walk, ride a bike, go for hike, go to a gym, weight training. Even exercising in your chair a few times, a day is beneficial. It keeps the body in motion and helps the body and mind to de-stress!

Decrease your stress – We can’t avoid stress; however, we can embrace it and transform its effects. Prayer, meditation, journaling, listen to calming music, deep breathing exercises have shown to be most effective. For those of you who are animal lovers, you know the benefits of cuddling up with your dog, cat or whatever type of animal that comforts you. And don’t forget to LAUGH A LOT!!!!

I have provided two links below to more in-depth documentaries that will be an eye opener! 

Sweet Death: How sugar is making us sick/Endevr documentary

Fat Fiction – Full movie –  Free