What is Insulin Resistance?

To answer this question, let me first tell you about insulin and its importance. Insulin, a hormone, is secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas after you consume carbohydrates. These carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which raises blood glucose levels. Any meal or snack high in carbohydrates will produce a rapid rise in glucose levels.

Insulin resistance occurs when the body does not have the capability to respond to and use the insulin it produces. Over time, insulin resistance is prone to get worse, and the pancreas that makes insulin begins to wear out. Finally, the pancreas will no longer make enough insulin to overcome the cells resistance. It can also happen when you binge eat and follow a sedentary lifestyle. Over the years, the high amount of glucose and insulin circulating in the bloodstream make your cells unresponsive to insulin. As a result, your body becomes insulin resistant.

In a nutshell, insulin resistance is a condition in which your cells stop recognizing insulin molecules. This results in high blood sugar and diabetes. Before you blame your genes for being insulin resistant, take a look at the various reasons you might be insulin resistant.

What Causes Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance may be caused due to the following reasons:

• Following a sedentary lifestyle
• Inability to sleep properly
• High stress and depression
• Age
• High body fat
• Not controlling portions
• Consuming too many junk foods
• Not consuming enough dietary fiber
• Not working out regularly
• Using steroids
• Smoking
• Consuming a lot of alcohol
• Faulty genes

Insulin Resistance Symptoms

Common symptoms of insulin resistance are:

• You gain weight suddenly.
• You feel hungry all the time.
• You have high blood pressure.
• You have high triglyceride levels in your blood.
• You have irregular periods.
• You feel depressed or anxious.
• You feel the urge to use the washroom frequently.
• You have a tingling sensation in the hands and feet.
• You feel tired all the time.
• You are more prone to infections.
• Dark patches on the elbows, neck, knuckles, knees, and armpits.

If these are some of the symptoms that you can identify with, I suggest you get the blood work done and see if you are insulin resistant. Talk to your doctor and get started on the insulin resistance diet.

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