Insulin Resistance

What is insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance levels are high and increasing around the world. With prediabetes rates at over 84 million in the US, Which is around one in three. Worldwide, the prevalence of insulin resistance ranges from 15.5% to 46.5%, among adults, which are quite alarming figures. And according to diabetes.co.uk; Insulin resistance is the driving factor that leads to type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes and prediabetes. According to the British Medical Journal rates of prediabetes in the UK in 2003 were 11.6% rising to 35.3% in 2011. And according to the BMJ Insulin resistance is closely associated with obesity, however it is possible to be insulin resistant without being overweight or obese. Obesity in childhood and adolescence has been shown to increase the risk of the insulin resistance syndrome (IRS) and cardiovascular mortality in adult life. The clustering of major IRS components, including obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and atherosclerosis, has been shown in children and adolescents and tracks strongly into adult life. This tracking has been shown to increase with increasing age and obesity. Many studies have shown that individual IRS components such as insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and hypertension are highly inter-correlated and significantly more common in obese children than in those of normal weight. People with IRS or metabolic syndrome have up to 93%

greater risk of heart disease. Other illnesses linked to IRS are non alcoholic fatty liver disease,

polycystic ovarian syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, glaucoma, major depressive disorder and certain cancers. Alarmingly more than 70% of obese population are insulin resistant. And insulin resistant individuals have fewer hours of sleep and are more likely to report on going insomnia, which has shown to lead to other health conditions.

What is insulin and what is its function in the body?

Insulin is a peptide hormone secreted by the B cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans and

maintains normal blood glucose levels by facilitating cellular glucose uptake, regulating

carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism and promoting cell division and growth through its

mitogenic (cell division) effects.

Which parts of the body utilise Insulin?

Every cell in the body needs energy, insulin provides the glucose that the cells use for energy. And glucose that is not utilised by the body is then stored in the Liver and as fat (visceral fat) around the body. Signs of possible insulin resistance; Most people are unaware that they have Insulin resistance. Here are a few indications that you may have Insulin resistance. Erectile dysfunction, dyslipidaemia, PCOS, dark coloured skin on the neck, groin or armpits (Acanthosis nigricans), water retention, skin tags, excess belly fat, water retention, extreme thirst, frequent urination, high triglycerides, high LDL and low HDL, elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia), metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. This is not an exhaustive list and not every person will have all of the above mentioned symptoms or indications.

How to reverse insulin resistance?

Combining a low carb diet and low sugar diet, remove all fructose and artificial sweeteners from the diet, incorporate intermittent fasting, stop smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, eat a diet high in fibre, eat plenty of vegetables, oily fish, chicken, lamb and tofu. Take regular exercise and and add certain supplements to the diet.

Natural ways of treating insulin resistance;

Herbal Medicine: Incorporate Cinnamon, Fenugreek, Gymnema, Goats rue, Neem, Milk thistle and Globe artichoke.

Naturopathic Approach: Incorporate: Alpha lipoic acid, L-Carnitine, Turmeric, Chromium, Zinc, Magnesium and Vit D3.

A final note;

Insulin resistance is one of the key factors behind most of todays chronic health conditions. By

improving our overall health and diet we will help to prevent or reduce insulin resistance and most importantly , we will live a longer healthier life with less need for medication.

If you would like help with insulin resistance, hypoglycaemia, diabetes or any other metabolic condition, please contact us: salubriouslife.contact@gmail.com