Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is a metabolic
condition that involves elevated insulin levels and a cellular resistance to
all but higher insulin levels. Its primary cause is a high carbohydrate and
high sugar diet that causes a disruption in the way the carbohydrates are
metabolized. The cells become less responsive to insulin, resulting in an
elevated insulin level with otherwise normal fasting blood sugar. After meals,
the blood sugar can fluctuate and can be slightly high or slightly low.
What are the signs and symptoms of insulin
resistance?
Because fat can’t be mobilized by insulin, weight gain can occur. There are
frequent fluctuations in blood sugar, including symptomatic hypoglycemia. The
insulin levels are high but the molecules can’t get insulin out of the cells.
The individual has many cravings for sugar and is always hungry. Triglycerides
and cholesterol are elevated and the blood sugar gradually increases. The
elevated triglycerides can cause excessive blood clots and there can be
cardiovascular distress, including atherosclerosis.
What are the causes of insulin resistance?
The primary cause of insulin resistance is a diet high in carbohydrates,
particularly refined carbohydrates. Deficiencies in zinc, chromium and
manganese can make insulin less effective. The introduction of trans-fats in
the diet will make the cell wall less likely to be able to transport insulin
across it.
Effects of High Insulin Levels
• Stimulates Plaque Formation
• Promotes oxidation of LDLs
• Contracts blood vessels
• Kidneys waste nutrients
• Increases blood pressure
• Thickens arterial walls
• Increases triglycerides
• Promotes extra fat storage
• Increases blood clotting
Conventional Medical
Approach: Unless the blood sugars are
actually elevated, a conventional medicine specialist wouldn’t run any testing
nor would they treat insulin resistance, despite the health risks. There is no
routine blood test for insulin levels and most conventional medical providers
would not even suspect insulin resistance unless there is evidence of true
diabetes.
Functional Medical Approach: Why wait to
you have diabetes when you can look for insulin resistance and prevent it form
occurring? If your fasting blood glucose levels are on the rise from previous
blood tests and getting toward the range of Diabetes then you are definitely in
insulin resistance. We are able to test your insulin as it is part of the tests that we perform
at our office. If your fasting blood glucose levels are at 100-115, you are
probably in the stage of insulin resistance. Once you get above the 115 levels,
you would be considered to be a Diabetic.