Unraveling Insulin Resistance

This month at the clinic, we're unraveling insulin resistance! The literal ups and downs of blood sugar and factors that impact the flow of energy. Energy is not just what you feel, it's the fuel your cells need to function.

Good energy = Properly functioning cells that can generate healthy new cells.

Bad energy = Cellular dysfunction that is a gnarly root of disease.

Oversimplification, I know, but one that cannot be overstated.

It's helpful to understand the flow of energy in a heathy body to understand dysfunction. Typically, you put glucose into your system via the carbohydrates you eat. A healthy pancreas will release the perfect amount insulin, the storage hormone, to put that glucose into your cells. With the "key" (insulin) that opens the door to the cell, glucose enters to give your mitochondria fuel to create energy.

The cycle of insulin resistance looks like this: you eat carbs, your pancreas makes insulin, but your cells resist it. Why? Many factors play into your insulin not working well, some things we can control and some we cannot. Age, family history and ethnicity are contributing factors but that doesn't mean it's inevitable. Oversaturation of carbohydrates, fat accumulation, and sedentary lifestyle are the heavy hitters here. The good news? These are all things we have power over! What's frustrating is if the insulin is not being used properly to put the energy into your brain and muscles, it will the pull the excess glucose into fat cells instead and your brain and muscles still feel TIRED. This is the root of bad energy! You have the fuel in your body; it just needs help to be accessible.

How does one know if they have insulin resistance going on? Our bodies are so good at maintaining equilibrium, they can hide the high sugar element for quite a while! Note these symptoms and see if any ring true to you. Some subtle signs may include:

• Fatigue after eating

• Cravings for sugary or starchy foods

• Difficulty losing weight

• Increased waist circumference

• Dark patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans), skin tags and acne

This homeostasis that the body is trying to maintain creates a new problem: hyperinsulinemia. Your pancreas will put out more and more insulin in an effort to keep your blood sugars down. Eventually though, the pancreas starts to burn out, and your blood sugar starts to climb. This is how not just Type 2 Diabetes comes about, but a whole host of other diseases. Including the #1 killer in America, heart disease is intrinsically linked to hyperinsulinemia.

Can It Be Reversed?

The good news: YES. Insulin resistance is not a life sentence. Reversal through lifestyle changes looks like:

• Eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, healthy fats, and lean protein

• Reducing processed sugar and refined carbohydrates

• Exercising regularly

• Prioritizing quality sleep and stress management

• Intermittent fasting

These can dramatically improve your body’s insulin sensitivity over time.

Final Thought

Insulin resistance is common, but it’s not inevitable. By understanding the basics and making conscious lifestyle choices, you can reduce your risk and take charge of your long-term health.