Do you have a constant weight issue? It may be insulin resistance.
If you have problems losing weight – even though you feel you’re making the right diet and exercise choices – it may be you’re suffering from insulin resistance.
Weight issues and insulin resistance are closely linked, though we’re not sure which comes first – weight gain or insulin resistance.
Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that helps maximize cell function. It assists the glucose in your blood to penetrate the cell walls so it can be converted into energy.
If you suffer from insulin resistance it becomes harder for the glucose in your blood to be transferred to the cells.
Too much glucose in the blood can lead to chronic disease – in some cases, these can be life-threatening – and lack of energy due to a slower metabolism.
Additionally, once the liver and muscle have used what they require, the excess glucose is converted to, and stored as, fat throughout your body.
As this fat accumulates in your body, it triggers further metabolic changes and triggers inflammation which leads towards type 2 diabetes and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
- There are early warning signs to be aware of, though:
- Noticeable differences in skin tone
- Reduced mental clarity
- Depression and anxiety
- Respiratory problems
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
If you suffer from any of these, coupled with a rapid weight change that you can’t explain, insulin resistance may well prove to be a contributor.
Visit your physician for a simple blood test to see if that really is the case.
If you find you are suffering from insulin resistance, it can be managed and reversed with a determined focus on diet and exercise.
Simple changes such as reducing foods that cause spikes in blood sugar levels can have an almost immediate effect on insulin resistance. This means that more glucose is used by the cells rather than being stored as fat.
Exercise causes your muscles to use more glucose for energy – again, reducing the excess glucose in your blood.
Having insulin resistance can make weight management even more difficult than normal. However, simply being aware of the condition can help formulate a plan to make the changes you need. Not only to manage your weight but to manage your whole life
