Insulin Resistance
Most weight loss struggles of our times are due to insulin resistance. It is also referred to as a silent blood sugar problem. Insulin resistance is when cells in your muscles, body fat and liver start resisting or ignoring the signal that the hormone insulin (secreted in the pancreas) is trying to send out—which is to grab glucose out of the bloodstream and put it into our cells. Glucose, also known as blood sugar, is the body’s main source of fuel. We also call it carbohydrate toxicity.
How do we know we have insulin resistance? Are you wondering what data will prove it? It is hard to measure as you need an advanced laboratory to measure the same. Your typical lab work will not show it. You may have to ask for the Serum Insulin test and a Glucose Challenge test to accurately measure the specifics.
There are specific physical manifestations you can notice.
You have belly fat then you definitely have insulin resistance. You may have layers of belly fat and you may have a hanging belly. In technical terms, you have central obesity/abdominal obesity. If you cannot see your toes by not bending forward you may have insulin resistance. A waist that measures 35 inches or more for women, 40 or more for men increases the odds of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, which is also linked to insulin resistance.
You have brown to black, poorly defined, velvety hyperpigmentation of the skin. Technically it is called acanthosis nigricans. If these pigments are not going away by going for waxing and expensive skin treatments you may be surely having insulin resistance.
If your BMI (Body Mass Index) is above 30 you can positively assume that you have Insulin resistance. Insulin resistance and obesity are chicken egg problems. If you obese then maybe you have insulin resistance. If you have insulin resistance then maybe you became obese.
High triglycerides. Levels of 150 or higher, or taking medication to treat high levels of these blood fats.
Low HDLs. Low-density lipoprotein levels below 50 for women and 40 for men – or taking medication to raise low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
High blood pressure. Readings of 130/85 mmHg or higher, or taking medication to control high blood pressure
High blood sugar. Levels of 100-125 mg/dl (the pre-diabetes range) or over 125 (diabetes).
High fasting blood sugar (or you're on medicine to treat high blood sugar). Mildly high blood sugar may be an early sign of diabetes.
If any of the above is true for you then try and stay away from anything that excites your insulin.
🥂to knowing!
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