What is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin resistance is related to excess fat or adipose tissue and how the hormone insulin is processed in the body. It’s a process that begins with insulin itself. When we eat something, our body automatically produces a hormonal response that causes the pancreas to produce insulin which propels glucose to the adipose (or fat) tissue and liver so that food can be converted to the energy our body needs to function. Glucose is the primary energy source on which the body works. Our bodies require food energy, or glucose from carbohydrates, to work correctly.
When you gain weight, your cells can’t process the insulin your body produces, making your pancreas work harder to produce even more insulin. In turn, the cells don’t respond as well to the insulin your body produces, which increases your blood sugar levels. As most of us know, increased blood sugar levels are related to either pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Other conditions related to insulin and insulin resistance are:
- Metabolic syndrome
- Non-alcohol related liver disease
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Elevated cholesterol
- High markers of systemic inflammation
What are the Symptoms of Insulin Resistance?
As mentioned above, weight carried in the midsection or abdomen is one clear indicator of insulin resistance. Other symptoms are:
- Increased Hunger
- Those annoying little skin tags
- Urinating more frequently than normal
- Skin darkening in areas like your armpits or neck
- Brain fog
- High blood pressure
- Weight gain
Symptoms of diabetes include those symptoms and:
- Delayed healing
- Blurry vision
- Being hungry more often than normal
- Frequent urination
- Excessive Thirst
- Fatigue
What Can be Done About Insulin Resistance?
There are things that can be done to help or reverse insulin resistance. These include (but aren’t limited to):
- Increasing your level of physical activity
- Eating well and eliminating as many processed foods as possible
- Ruling out contributing hormonal and/or genetic factors
- Determining whether your insulin resistance is related to certain medications
- Determining whether a medication is contributing to your insulin resistance
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
- Weight management
Where Do I Go For Help?
For those in the Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona, APEX Hormone Health can help. Initially, we’ll do a comprehensive consultation and lab work to determine whether you have hormonal imbalances or elevated glucose levels. If you do, we can help support you through weight loss programs. Call: 720-856-0200.