Insulin resistance - the silent epidemic

Insulin resistance affects 88% of adults in United States and it is associated with numerous chronic conditions as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer, cancer, infertility.

Insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas, is released in response to increased glucose level in the blood. All cells in our body have insulin receptors, from liver to brain to lungs to bone. Muscles are responsible for consuming up to 80% of the glucose after a meal.

Blood glucose levels are primarily driven by what we eat and exacerbated by lifestyle factors as poor sleep, increased stress or sedentary behavior.

Insulin resistance refers to self losing responsiveness to insulin, while the pancreas compensates by secreting more insulin.

Diet and lifestyle are critical factors of insulin resistance, but the underlying root causes are more complex and include  chronically elevated insulin, inflammation, stress hormones, adipocyte hypertrophy.

Causes of insulin resistance

1. Hyperinsulinemia: increased level of insulin. Every 1microU change in blood insulin level can cause approximately 20% increase in insulin resistance.

2. Chronic inflammation: pro inflammatory proteins like TNF can interfere with insulin signaling, contributing to insulin resistance.

3. Chronic stress: stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline are also called insulin antagonist. While insulin is trying to lower blood glucose, the stress hormones are increasing it.

4. Adipocyte hypertrophy: By consuming a standard American diet consisting of processed meat, dairy and seed oils there is an increased intake of saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated omega 6 fatty acids, especially linoleic acid. These fats get stored in the fat cells causing fat cells to grow through a process called hypertrophy. Subsequently, this impairs insulin signaling and release of pro inflammatory proteins that are already known to cause insulin resistance.

How to prevent and reverse insulin resistance

Early Intervention: Recognizing the increased risk and taking proactive steps to manage insulin resistance can be crucial for long-term health.

Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of metabolic disorders.