What is Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance happens when your body's cells don’t respond well to insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar. This means glucose (sugar) struggles to enter cells, leading to higher blood sugar levels. Over time, this can raise your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

In North America, insulin resistance is quite common. About one in three adults in the U.S. may be affected, largely due to rising obesity rates, lack of exercise, and poor diet.

How to Know If You Have Insulin Resistance:

• Blood Tests: Doctors can diagnose it through tests that measure insulin and blood sugar levels, or by performing a glucose tolerance test.

• Symptoms: Look out for signs like weight gain around the belly, feeling tired, increased hunger, and frequent infections. However, you might not notice symptoms right away.

Tips to Manage or Reverse Insulin Resistance:

1. Diet: Eat a balanced diet with lean proteins, healthy fats, and lots of fruits and veggies to get in your fiber. Cut back on processed foods, sugary drinks, and refined carbs.

2. Exercise: Regular activity like walking or strength training can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar. Keep in mind more muscle a person builds the more insulin sensitive they are.

3. Weight Management: Losing extra weight, especially around your belly, can boost insulin sensitivity.

4. Sleep: Getting enough good-quality sleep is important for managing blood sugar levels. Getting enough sleep helps with Cortisol levels and all hormones play together. If one is off it affects the others like Insulin.

5. Stress Management: Reducing stress through practices like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can also help.