Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas. It helps our cells take in blood sugar (glucose) and convert it to energy. When an individual has insulin resistance, the body’s cells are not responding to the insulin or the cells are “resistant” to the insulin. Thus, sugar transport from the blood into the body’s cells is delayed causing high blood sugar levels. To compensate for the reduced responsiveness of the body cells to insulin, the pancreas produces more and more insulin.
How Do I Know If I Am Insulin Resistant?
Place a check near each true statement:
My waist circumference is greater than 40 inches (for men) or greater than 35 inches (for women).
My triglyceride (blood fat) level is greater than 150 mg/dl and/or I am being treated for high triglycerides.
My HDL (good cholesterol) level is less than 40 mg/dl (for men) or my HDL is less than 50 mg/dl (for women) AND/OR I am currently being treated for low HDL levels.
My Blood Pressure is equal to or greater than 130/85 mmHG and/or I am currently being treated for high blood pressure.
My Blood Sugar level is greater than 100 mg/dl AND/OR I am currently being treated for high blood sugar levels.
Did you check three or more of the above questions? If so, you may have Insulin Resistance Syndrome (aka Metabolic Syndrome or Syndrome X) according to guidelines set by the American Heart Association.
Am I at Risk for Developing Insulin Resistance?
People at high risk for developing Insulin Resistance include:
Individuals with a sedentary lifestyle
Individuals who are overweight
Those who have high blood pressure
Those who have a parent or sibling with Type II Diabetes
Women who had diabetes mellitus during pregnancy
Can I Reverse Insulin Resistance?
Yes. Get Moving! Physical activity and weight loss make the body respond better to insulin. Physical activity helps your muscle cells use blood sugar because the muscle cells need it for energy. Thus, making those cells more sensitive to insulin.
Also, by cutting back on refined foods and sugar consumption will reduce the amount of circulating sugars in your system. Eat more fruits and vegetables and high fiber foods.
Not only will these interventions reverse insulin resistance; but, they will assist you in preventing diabetes mellitus and heart disease. You might also find that you will have a better quality of life if you implement these interventions into your daily life.
