Many individuals mistakenly believe that maintaining optimal blood sugar levels isn't a concern unless they have diabetes. However, this couldn't be farther from the truth!
Have you heard of insulin resistance?
When cells in the muscles, fat, and liver fail to respond to insulin (the hormone that transports glucose into these cells), a condition known as insulin resistance develops.
As a result, sugar is unable to effectively enter the cells and be utilized as fuel. In other words...
Eating carbohydrates or sweets can quickly cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are both linked to insulin resistance, yet this condition may exist before a diagnosis is even made. The catch? Uncovering it can be tricky since there are no obvious symptoms.
There are a few indicators that often characterize insulin resistance, such as:
Abdominal weight gain (around the waist)
Sugar and carb cravings
Crashing after eating sweets
It's vital to recognize that someone does not need to be overweight for them to suffer from insulin resistance! The only way you can truly tell is through detecting small changes in bloodwork.
Insulin resistance isn't an incidental occurrence; it's not predetermined by genetics or luck. It is, in fact, the result of a variety of lifestyle choices and environmental factors that can be managed if understood.
There are 3 potential causes that are often overlooked when it comes to insulin resistance:
1. Visceral Fat
Visceral fat is the type of fat that accumulates inside your body, as opposed to just beneath your skin. Not only does this kind of fat release hormones and inflammatory substances that fuel insulin resistance, but it can also be identified by an increase in waist size.
2. Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Mitochondria are the life-force of cells, transforming sugars and macronutrients into energy. When mitochondrial dysfunction is present, these powerhouses can no longer efficiently convert food to fuel. To protect mitochondria from damage caused by free radicals and toxins, it is essential that we consume a variety of antioxidants while also supporting our body's natural detoxification pathways.
3. Inflammation
Excess weight is often connected to a persistent low-grade inflammation, which adversely affects the regions of the brain that create leptin—the hormone responsible for making you feel satiated. If inflammation leads to an immunity against leptin, it may cause someone to consume more sugar than their body can metabolize without feeling full.
Are you ready to hear some fantastic news? Insulin resistance can be reversed!
To overcome insulin resistance and get back on a healthy path, here are some lifestyle modifications that may be helpful:
Weight Loss
Excessive body fat has various damaging effects on the human physique, including inflammation and leptin resistance. Research confirms that slimming down is one of the best methods to reverse insulin insensitivity. As such, it's essential to maintain a healthy weight if you want to avoid diabetes-related health issues in the future.
Exercise
Exercise not only releases energy in the moment to maintain balanced blood sugar levels but can also help generate muscle mass. In contrast to fat cells, even at rest, muscles are more proficient at burning sugar. To turn back insulin resistance, regular exercise is fundamental.
Sleep
Don't be fooled - sleep deprivation is a serious concern and can detrimentally impact your blood sugar level. Even just one night without sufficient restful shut-eye could lead to insulin resistance, so don't take the risk!
Clean Living
Avoiding toxic substances is vital for the wellbeing of your cells! Several pesticides have been linked with a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes, while numerous synthetic chemicals are thought to interfere with insulin production and cause resistance. Protect yourself today by minimizing toxin exposure in your daily life.
Eat for Blood Sugar Balance
Your diet has a considerable influence on your blood sugar rate. You can slow down the absorption of carbohydrates from food by consuming them with proteins, fiber, and fats - all of which can reduce the speed at which sugars are digested.
Knowing our bodies inside and out empowers us to improve our health. A greater understanding of the cellular activity within us can unlock countless healing benefits that allow us to thrive in life!