Insulin resistance (a factor contributing to pre-diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes) is a condition that affects the way the body uses blood sugar (glucose we get from food). The body either doesn't produce enough insulin, or there is an inability to use their own insulin properly. Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue, weight loss or gain, and blurred vision.
About half of the US population is at risk for insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and potentially diabetes. For these individuals it makes sense to be on the “safe side” and eat a well-balanced diet to prevent blood sugar and insulin imbalances. Even if somebody does not have a diabetes diagnosis, they can still have insulin resistance or some blood sugar abnormalities which can lead to weight gain and inflammation as we get older.
Treatments include nutrition changes, exercise, stress / sleep management, and at times supplements, medication, or for those with extremely high glucose levels - insulin therapy.
What are the Risk Factors ~ contributing to Insulin Resistance?
Family history
Over the age of 45
Excess weight gain or overweight
Sedentary lifestyle
History of Gestational Diabetes or gave birth to a baby more than 9 pounds
Peri-menopause or women in menopause due to decreasing estrogen and change in hormones
High blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol/ triglycerides
Poor sleep or Sleep Apnea
Alcohol overuse
Erratic eating patterns/ poorly balanced meals/skipping meals
Nutrient abnormalities (not enough Vitamin D and Magnesium for example)
African American, Alaskan, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander
The Weight Management Connection
Excess insulin can make some of us gain weight. The balance of our diet is of the utmost importance to avoid the ill effects of excess insulin. Sometimes when we think we are doing well with nutrition and exercise - it can be surprising to learn about carbohydrate portion sizes and how it compares to what is actually recommended for individuals. Also, many of us could increase our fiber as well. Fiber helps "calm the rise in blood sugar" thus reducing excess insulin release. Currently, dietary fiber intakes among adults in the United States average less than 15 grams a day. That's only about half the recommended amount. The American Heart Association recommends dietary fiber intake should be at least 25 grams daily for women and to 35 grams a day for men.
To be on the safe side aim for a balanced diet with 2-4 servings of healthy carbohydrate at each meal along with some protein and fiber and healthy fats. Again, fiber helps “calm the rise in blood sugar” so choosing carbohydrates that are high in fiber is the key.
Strict dieting or skipping meals can actually be problematic for some individuals. Sometimes people end up with high blood sugars if they go too long between meals. As we get older it’s trickier to regulate the amount of insulin and sugar that our body decides to put out. The pancreas puts out insulin and our liver will put out sugar if needed. Some of us go for too long without food which can drop our blood sugar too low and then our liver turns around and can dump extra sugar into our blood system. So actually, skipping meals (for some people) can make us have high blood sugars. Erratic eating patterns can contribute to insulin resistance and high blood sugars especially for people who have a family history or are prone to diabetes risk. If you are considering the trending “Intermittent Fasting” way to lose weight - consult with a registered dietitian to see if this would be a risk for you or how to choose which hours to fast for the healthiest way to execute a plan like this.
Talking with a Registered Dietitian or Nutrition Expert to learn more about what actually “counts as” a carbohydrate serving can be extremely helpful. The internet falsely often encourages too little carbohydrate and on the flip side our eyeballs sometimes underestimate carbohydrate portions. As one learns how to distribute carbohydrates throughout the day (spreading them out) it may be necessary to eat more protein or add in snacks to get in enough nutrition overall. The amount best for you can be determined with a nutrition visit.
What can you do today?
In summary, aim for a balanced diet, avoid eating excess carbohydrate and sugar, and manage your stress & sleep cycle. Also, daily healthy movement can significantly improve insulin resistance and prevent diabetes. You can go a step further and learn a bit more about actual carbohydrate portion sizes and determine if and where you can get more fiber.
If you have a family history of diabetes, healthy weight challenges, or any symptoms listed above, it would be worth it to annually get your hemoglobin A-1c checked. This is a screening for pre-diabetes and diabetes. It looks at your average glucose levels over a 3-month time frame and is a better indicator of your risk over only checking a fasting glucose. It can also be helpful to get your vitamin D checked and if low ask your doctor or dietitian what amount is best for you.
If you do ever receive a diagnosis of diabetes don’t be alarmed. Instead learn about what to do with diet and lifestyle which can really make a difference for your health. To find out more about your own risk for actual Diabetes - check out the website for the American Diabetes Association https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-risk
Whether you want to increase your metabolism, manage or prevent diabetes and insulin resistance, reach a healthy weight, or if you just want to eat healthier ~ we are here to support your efforts. At Stronger Wellness and Nutrition we can help to improve your glucose levels with education, effective meal planning ideas and optional tools like CGM (continuous glucose monitor), Red Light Therapy, Infrared Sauna, massage, or various fitness options. Book an appointment today.
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