You might not be losing weight because of insulin resistance. When your muscles, fat, and liver cells are not responding properly to insulin, glucose absorption from the bloodstream becomes compromised. For glucose to enter into the cells, your body demands higher levels of insulin. We will look at top pointers of insulin resistance that may be holding back your weight loss goals.
Insulin Resistance Diagnosis
Your doctor can identify if you are likely to have insulin resistance by performing a physical examination, taking your detailed history, or through simple laboratory tests depending on your risk factors. Common tests include:
• Waist Size
By examining your waist circumference, your doctor can easily find out if you have insulin resistance. Chances are that you have the condition if it is bigger than 35 inches.
• Fasting Insulin Levels
This is a test that examines insulin levels in the blood after fasting. If it is higher than10 uIU/ml, you probably have insulin resistance.
• Fasting Glucose Levels
If an examination of your blood sugar after fasting for a couple of hours finds that it is higher than 75-100mg/dl, chances are you have insulin resistance.
• Glucose Tolerance Test
This is complicated and your doctor has to take a few blood tests during the day. It is commonly done if you are suspected to be diabetic or hypoglycemic.
Signs of Insulin Resistance
Signs and symptoms of insulin resistance may vary with each person, but some are very common.
• Sleepiness, particularly after meals.
• Addiction to carbohydrates.
• High blood sugar.
• Lack of concentration or inability to focus.
• Fatigue.
• Increased hunger.
• Higher blood pressure.
• Intestinal bloating.
• Depression.
• Hypoglycemia
• Nausea, headache, and anxiety that disappear after taking a meal.
• A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above.
• A waistline of 53 inches or more.
• Continuous weight gain even when dieting.
• Increased appetite.
• Inability to diet.
• High triglyceride levels.
• Skin growths particularly on your breast, neck, chest, groin, or underarms.
• Irregular menstrual cycle, specifically skipping months.
• A history of polycystic ovarian disease.
• Hypertension.
• Excessive sweating.
• Increased craving for snacks.
• A family history of obesity, diabetes, stroke, or heart disease.
• Low HDL (the “good”) cholesterol below 35mg/dl.
• High LDL (the “bad”) cholesterol above 130 mg/dl.
• The metabolic syndrome.
Causes of Insulin Resistance
Researchers have tirelessly been debating about the causal mechanism of insulin resistance. It is a misnomer to say that there is a certain cause of this condition. Potential causes include:
• High-fat diet.
• Regular consumption of low-fiber diet.
• Stress.
• Sedentary lifestyle or lack of regular workout.
• Regular consumption of processed foods or sugary drinks.
• Accumulation of toxins in the body.
• Liver failure.
• Inadequate consumption of quality protein.
• Aging.
• Vitamin D deficiency.
• Diabetes.
Reversing Insulin Resistance
• Supplementation
Use of dietary supplement can be effective for dealing with insulin resistance and diabetes. Supplements rich in minerals and vitamins can be helpful but it is important to contact your healthcare provider before use.
• Lifestyle Improvement
Changing your lifestyle for the better can go a long way in reversing insulin resistance. Excessive use of alcohol, smoking, inadequate sleep, and excess stress should be avoided at every cost.
• Exercise Regularly
Engaging in regular workouts can help reverse insulin resistance and prevent other illnesses. Start slow and adopt a workable program that you can stick with. It’s also a great way to shed extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight.
• Detoxify
Detoxification eliminates inflammatory fats and carbohydrates from your body. It is also paramount to incorporate anti-inflammatory foods in your diet.
• Use Medications
A number of medications can be helpful in treating insulin resistance and diabetes. They may help in improving your blood sugar and stimulate insulin production.
Conclusion
Insulin resistance can be hampering your journey to weight loss. It’s important to contact your doctor if you suspect to have the condition. The good news is that there is something you can do about it. An effort every day can shield you from future complications.
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